09/24/20 RTIR Newsletter: Post-RBG Court, Tolerance, the Importance of Grandparents

01. Legal Expert on Post-RBG Supreme Court
02. Nat Geo DOCU: Inside a Migrant Caravan
03. Survey: Millennials, the Least Tolerant Generation
04. ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide
05. Teen Entrepreneur Recruiting Election Workers
06. Gun Violence is On the Rise: How to Protect Yourself
07. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
08. Need Cash? It Could Be Time to Sell Your Life Insurance
09. What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit
10. Why Small Weddings Make Cents
11. COVID’s Agonizing Effect on Chronic Pain
12. Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life
13. How to Deal with Pandemic Stress Better
14. He’s Bringing Back the Art of the Pleasant Chat
15. Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?

1. ==> Legal Expert on Post-RBG Supreme Court

As the country mourns the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, invite Loyola Law professor and legal expert Stan Goldman to discuss Ginsburg’s legacy, who may take her place on the bench, and what that means for cases coming before the High Court. Stan Goldman has worked as a legal correspondent and analyst for CNBC, CBS, King World and Fox News and was a special correspondent for the New York Daily News. Goldman is also the son of an Auschwitz survivor and the founding director for the Study of Law on Genocide. His new historical memoir is “Left to the Mercy of a Rude Stream: The Bargain That Broke Adolf Hitler and Saved My Mother.” Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

2. ==> Nat Geo DOCU: Inside a Migrant Caravan

Nat Geo’s new documentary “Blood on the Wall” takes viewers to Central America, as a caravan of migrants seeking a better life heads north to the United States, while narco-traffickers — part of the cause for the caravan — move drugs and money back and forth across the same border. The film, from Academy Award-nominated director Sebastian Junger and Emmy-winning producer Nick Quested, explores the depths of corruption plaguing Mexico and Central America and the policies of the past that have made it impossible for everyday people to find justice. Shot in the same journalistic style as their other films, “Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS,” “Korengal,” and the Oscar-nominated “Restrepo,” the documentary highlights the humanity of the migrants and shows how politics, the drug trade, violence, and the desire for safety result in unbelievable anguish happening in plain sight. Producer Nick Quested is available for interviews. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Survey: Millennials, the Least Tolerant Generation

Their elders have been complaining for years about millennials. Now, research proves that this younger generation does indeed view the world — and their place in it — in a much, much different way than previous generations. A new report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University identified three specific categories in which the millennial generation differs most drastically from that of their forefathers —respect for others; interest in faith; and enthusiasm for America. Interestingly, it was also found that millennials were the least tolerant generation of those surveyed. Dr. George Barna, who has been researching both faith trends and generational differences for more than four decades, found the study’s results “profoundly disturbing.” “The significantly divergent worldview perspectives and applications of the four generations we studied suggests a nation that is at war with itself to adopt new values, lifestyles and a new identity,” says Barna, director of research at the CRC. “There is a war for worldview dominance taking place in America.” The findings were extracted from the Cultural Research Center’s “American Worldview Inventory” and based on a combination of beliefs and behaviors that distinguished the perspective of millennials from that of older adults. Contact Jason Jones at jason@jonesliterary.com

4. ==> ‘The Great Realization’— Easing Kids’ COVID Fears Worldwide

Millions of people around the globe have viewed Tomos Roberts’ touching video in which he reads his heartfelt poem “The Great Realization.” The hopeful tale for a post-COVID world became a viral sensation viewed tens of millions of times; covered by major media outlets from London’s Daily Mail to the Washington Post; and praised by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Khloé Kardashian. Tomos, a poet/filmmaker based in London, wrote the poem to provide comfort to his younger brother and sister, both 7, amidst the pandemic, and in the video, he reads it to them as a bedtime story. Invite Tomos Roberts to discuss the worldwide reaction to “The Great Realization” (which continues to inspire thousands every day), his hopes for a post-COVID 19 world, and his belief that “hindsight is 2020.” “The Great Realization” is now a beautifully illustrated children’s book to help ease kids’ anxiety about coronavirus. Contact John Angelo at john@premieretv.com

5. ==> Teen Entrepreneur Recruiting Election Workers

Election officials across the country are facing a shortage of poll workers this year. Traditionally, most poll workers are older Americans, but they’re also among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 complications. Plus, early voting means the need for poll workers is even greater than usual. Rent A Teenager is now volunteering their services to recruit teenagers to fill the void. Founder Mason Greenstein, a high school senior at Horace Greeley High School in Westchester County, New York, says, “I’m very excited to do my part to help recruit poll workers so that our older, vulnerable residents can stay home and be safe. These are challenging times. We must all do our part.” The eligibility requirements, time commitments and pay vary depending on where you live. Typical tasks include setting up and preparing the polling location. Mason Greenstein started Rent A Teenager in 2017 when he was in ninth grade. Typical jobs available through Rent A Teenage include sports coaching, tutoring, babysitting, dog walking and yardwork. Contact Robert Greenstein at (917) 750-2771; Mason@RentATeenager.com

6. ==> Gun Violence is On the Rise: How to Protect Yourself

Gun violence is on the rise in cities across the country. How can we protect ourselves and loved ones from becoming unintended victims of the violence? What should you do if you find yourself in an active shooter situation? Explore the vital answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Ask him: How should people observe, react, find safety, shield others, or fight back during an active shooting incident? Which survival tips work best in different settings? Allen Banks is CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com

7. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives

You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Need Cash? It Could Be Time to Sell Your Life Insurance

Did you know that because of COVID-19 many life insurance carriers have been forced to dramatically raise their costs while lowering benefits? This affects everyone’s life insurance policies and makes one thing certain — every policy needs a review. “Life settlements, a way to sell an existing policy, are a smart financial option for many,” says David Kottler, the Life Insurance Doctor™. “Life settlements are something to be aware of, as 90% of policies lapse before maturity, which is a huge loss to consumers!” David can explain what you need to ask to figure out what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best-Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy.” Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com

9. ==> What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit

Talk about initiating a lawsuit and most people think: Hefty settlement! Getting justice! (Or retribution.) Healing and starting over. But legal trouble is stressful and expensive, and lawsuits can last years, taking more out of you than you gain. So warns attorney Francine Tone, who’s been educating the public for years about getting the right legal help, asking prudent questions, making wise decisions, and proceeding with caution as legal challenges unfold. Invite her to explore realities about suing and being sued, myths and truths about the law, and how even winning lawsuits can jeopardize your business, marriage or health. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Why Small Weddings Make Cents

COVID-19 has changed the way people get married and is likely to continue to do so as the pandemic wanes. Small weddings are required for anyone getting married now, but will they remain popular from now on? Veteran wedding planners and media guests Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels say the lingering effects of the economic slowdown will mean that many couples will need to keep their wedding budget down while others will embrace the idea of smaller luxurious weddings. This DIY wedding dream team will discuss the advantages small weddings offer as well as how couples can save thousands of dollars planning small weddings. Luxury planners Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels have over 20 years’ experience creating unforgettable weddings in the U.S. and worldwide for celebrity and luxury clients. Goldberg and Samuels saw a need to help the DIY client and have a new, affordable course called “Plan to I Do.” They have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Brides Magazine, the Washington Post, Martha Stewart, and Modern Luxury Bride. Contact Lynne Goldberg at (561) 212 -6024 or Aviva Samuels at (561) 213-5501; info@PlanToIDo.com

11. ==> COVID’s Agonizing Effect on Chronic Pain

At least a quarter of your audience suffers from chronic pain, with their agony worsened by changes in health care that were associated with COVID-19. That’s one issue family physician Trevor Campbell, M.D., can address but there’s one that is even more important: even before the pandemic, he says treatments for chronic pain have relied too much on temporary measures like medications and injection therapies that are easily billable for doctors while neglecting the essential and affordable missing piece in chronic pain, the psycho-social elements that reverse its causes and triggers. For many listeners and their families, this could be a game-changing interview. Trevor studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, before immigrating to Canada. His new book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life

In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history, but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Deal with Pandemic Stress Better

People’s differences can create stress at the best of times. Living through six months of a pandemic and these stresses can explode. Leadership expert Marc A. Pitman can tell you why people act the way they do. Using an easy-to-understand system, he can provide insight into why your team, staff, or family may be harder to live with right now. He can explain the different ways people react to stress and how to help you get through the pandemic and come out even stronger than before. His forthcoming book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for people to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

14. ==> He’s Bringing Back the Art of the Pleasant Chat

When is the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during COVID-19. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won. Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win! Ivan is an author and Renaissance man. His novel “Eye of the Moon” won Best First Book (Fiction) in the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?

The role grandparents play in children’s lives is evolving and as many as 2.7 million grandparents have assumed the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. Honor this special bond by interviewing Oliver Akamnonu, M.D., who can discuss why he and his wife left their high-powered careers to help their daughter and new grandchild and why today’s grandparents often go beyond offering financial support, childcare and parental advice to make a difference in their family’s lives? Dr. Akamnonu has authored 18 books including one with his wife, “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Dr. Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com

09/22/20 RTIR Newsletter: RIP RBG, How to Get Your Friends and Family to Vote, Meet the Sugar Witch

01. RIP Notorious RBG
02. Who is Amy Coney Barrett?
03. Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy
04. How to Get Your Family and Friends to Vote
05. What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There
06. Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?
07. 5 Economic Trends That Will Impact Your Future
08. Time to Switch Careers? 3 Questions to Ask
09. Surviving Uncertain Times: Use This Trait
10. Yes, This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life
11. Surviving Childbirth — Don’t Be a Maternal Mortality Statistic
12. Interview the Luckiest Man Alive
13. Does Life Really Get Better As You Age?
14. Bad Trips to Good Medicine: Psychedelics Go Mainstream
15. The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College

1.==> RIP Notorious RBG

Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, says, “Our country has lost a fearless champion of justice, a pillar of the law, and a bearer of its conscience. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing is cause for us to pause and honor the unparalleled mark she has left on this country. From co-founding the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project, to bringing the first case striking down a law that discriminated against women, to building the case that defined the standard for sex discrimination cases, Ginsburg was a visionary who revolutionized the gender equality movement – and the law – long before becoming a Supreme Court justice.” Graves believes it’s outrageous to consider filling Ginsburg’s seat until the next president and congress are installed. “While our country continues to move through the pandemic, an economic crisis, and addressing its racist past and present, we deserve a Court that builds the solid ground for our rights – not a slippery slope. We deserve a justice who understands the reality of the lives of people across the country. Justice Ginsburg’s legacy deserves better. Our country deserves better.” Begun in 1972, The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice in the courts, public policy, and society. Contact Gillian Branstetter at (202) 588-5180; gbranstetter@nwlc.org

2. ==> Who is Amy Coney Barrett?

Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate court judge, has emerged as one of the front-runners to fill the seat left vacant by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death. Invite American human rights lawyer Francis Boyle to discuss Barrett and why conservatives believe she has the perfect combination of attributes for the High Court. Barrett is a member of the Federalist Society, a group widely acknowledged as being remarkably influential in shaping the federal judiciary, and of which Boyle has been a longtime critic. Since the Kavanaugh nomination, Boyle has advocated that when the Democrats obtain control of the presidency and both houses of Congress, they should increase the number of members of the Supreme Court, an idea that has recently gained wider attention. Boyle was the lawyer for the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war and genocide against them before the International Court of Justice. He won two World Court Orders protecting 40,000 raped women of Bosnia. Contact Francis Boyle at fboyle@illinois.edu

3. ==> Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy

One of the main targets for recent protests and activists around the country has been the Confederate monuments that still stand in many major cities from Birmingham to Richmond to New Orleans. Invite Connor Towne O’ Neill, a producer on the NPR podcast White Lies, (a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), to take a deep dive into American history and the still-raging battles throughout the South. He’ll discuss how we got from Appomattox to Charlottesville and where we could be headed next. Visiting memorials to Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, a slave trader and officer who became the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, O’Neill talked with men and women who believe they are protecting their heritage and those who have a different view of the man’s poisonous history. Connor Towne O’Neill is the author of “Down Along with that Devil’s Bones: A Reckoning with Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy.” His writing has appeared in New York magazine, Vulture, Slate, RBMA, and the Village Voice. He also teaches at Auburn University and with the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

4.==> How to Get Your Family and Friends to Vote

Americans have a disappointing rate of voter participation with just 56% of voting-age citizens casting ballots in the 2016 presidential election. Why don’t people vote and how can you persuade them to do so? Kevin Lanning, a psychology and data science professor at Florida Atlantic University, says many people don’t feel like the candidates or parties represent them and they don’t feel a connection. He’ll discuss ways to encourage others to vote, like sharing your own plans, offering to help them vote, and appealing to their sense of civic duty. “We vote because we cherish our identity as Americans. We vote out of a sense of duty and responsibility,” says Lanning. “We vote because voting feels good, because it makes us feel that we are part of something bigger – a community, a movement, a country, a democracy. Voting is an act of hope and trust, and to feel hopeful and trusting is a good thing.” Contact Kevin Lanning at (561) 594-1018; lanning@fau.edu

5. ==> What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There

Las Vegas has earned its reputation as Sin City. And back in the early 1980s when Mark Rusin was a young police officer there, his job brought him face-to-face with some crazy situations which he’ll detail on your show. Ask him about the role his uniformed partner played in a bar’s wet T-shirt contest, about the time a john showed him what $70,000 in cash looked like, and about the “small” detail he missed while interviewing a stabbing victim. On a more serious note, he can also share the police call that has haunted him every day since he was called to the MGM Grand Hotel on Nov. 21, 1980. Rusin is a former ATF special agent who knows what “really” happened at Waco and has met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. Rusin has also been a consultant to “CSI” and other shows. He is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles” and an earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” which was based on real events. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

6. ==> Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?

With the release of the filmmaker Paul Saltzman’s new documentary, “Meeting The Beatles in India,” now is the time to meet Susan Shumsky, who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). This multi-award-winning author exposes the complete, uncensored, unapologetic, behind-the-scenes story of the Beatles in India. Susan’s fascinating version of events digs deeper to unearth much more than Saltzman’s film. Produced by David Lynch (founder of the TM-based David Lynch Foundation), the film paints TM as the hero. In contrast, Susan, a rare insider, spills stunning, behind-the-curtain secrets about what it was really like at the ashram, and how Maharishi influenced the Beatles and their song lyrics. She has participated in more than 1,200 interviews including for the Sunday Express of London, L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, GQ, Woman’s World, and Fox News with Alan Colmes. Susan has 18 books in print in English, 36 foreign editions, and has won 40 prestigious book awards. Reach her at (917) 992-5175; divinerev@aol.com

7. ==> 5 Economic Trends That Will Impact Your Future

Do you know what the five biggest economic trends are that will impact your listeners’ lives? And do you have any idea of the challenges and opportunities they represent and how you can capitalize on them? You will after you interview Certified Financial Planner Lorri Craig. In one or more segments, depending on how deep a dive you wish to take, Lorri can detail the significant economic impacts of COVID-19, lower interest rates, climate change, the U.S.’s declining global power, and baby boomer’s inability to retire. Lorri has a master’s degree in finance and is a subject matter expert for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She offers an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) investment platform on her website for socially conscious investors who want to make a positive impact on the world. Contact Lorri Craig at (484) 453-1742; LCraig@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Time to Switch Careers? 3 Questions to Ask

With millions of Americans out of work and others in professions that no longer serve them, your listeners will appreciate the advice of Geraldine Hogan. Hogan has helped thousands of educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new challenges and can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. Learn three simple, life-changing questions to ask before making any career move, whether salary should guide your decision, and how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown. Hogan, a former educator, attorney and judge, can talk about her own career journey as well. She’s the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change.” Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869; ghogan@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Surviving Uncertain Times: Use This Trait

The relentless coronavirus continues to spread throughout communities as the country struggles to deal with it. Racial unrest is fueling nationwide protests, and the upcoming national election is looking to be anything but a smooth process. Is it any wonder that everything around us seems precarious? Kim Chestney says most people are experiencing one overriding, debilitating emotion. “Fear is the biggest enemy in times of uncertainty,” says Chestney. “Now, more than ever, the most important thing we can do is to reconnect with our inner power.” Let her tell you how as she explores the role intuition can play in navigating stressful times. She’ll teach you how to cut through the stress, the BS and fake news, to get back to your center by tuning in to your inner truth. Chestney is an international best-selling author and the founder of IntuitionLab. Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Your Inner Power” releases this fall from New World Library. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Yes, This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life

How much sugar have you been eating and drinking? Especially during the nerve-wracking COVID-19 pandemic? For most people, the answer is “too much” including hidden sugars they don’t even know about. These are the folks who need the good kind of witch — Sugar Witch Marsha Allen — to avoid the harmful effects of sugar overwhelm such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Marsha will explain how her program can help anyone live a sweeter and longer life without sugar addiction. She’ll discuss how to recognize and avoid surprisingly super-sweet foods, while embracing healthier snacks and treats, preventing cravings that send you onto the sugar highway, keeping kids from demanding sweets, avoiding sugary overload during difficult times, and more. A sought-after speaker, Marsha is known for hosting “Sugar Addicts” on Crown City News TV. She authored “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy Free Made Simple.” Contact Marsha Allen at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Surviving Childbirth — Don’t Be a Maternal Mortality Statistic

It’s the 21st century. That means women can breeze through childbirth and be healthy to raise their children, right? Sadly, maternal deaths have been increasing despite advanced obstetrical care. Find out why, and what expectant parents and medical personnel should know, when you interview Alan Lindemann, M.D. He has delivered well over 6,000 babies (including many multiple births, even quads) during his decades-long career, without losing a mom. Dr. Lindemann will discuss the trouble with “maternity deserts” where women live hours away from where they’ll deliver, plus illnesses affecting healthy birthing, how the pandemic is affecting new mothers, and more. He’s a former clinical instructor and associate clinical professor at the University of North Dakota’s medical school who is introducing an online course to saving moms and babies. Contact Alan Lindemann, M.D., at (701) 543-6182; ALindemann@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Interview the Luckiest Man Alive

By any stretch of the imagination, Charles Gardner is a lucky man. He’s been on overtime for nine years so far after having survived a six-week coma, 13 strokes, major organ failure, a near-death experience and his family’s pulling the plug on him. All of those circumstances occurred as a result of one awful bout with the flu. But everything happens for a reason, and Charlie is certain that his purpose includes telling other people about the miracles he has experienced and serving as an example of how to appreciate the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in his book “Always Remember This Moment.” Ask him: What happened during his near-death experience? What were some of the miracles he experienced? How did his daughter’s love bring him back from the dead? Contact Charles Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Does Life Really Get Better As You Age?

As we age, we may not realize that things should be getting better! With awareness, maturity, experience and motivation going for us, the second half of life offers extraordinary opportunities and satisfaction. That’s the message of Joe Swinger, a speaker, author and talk-show guest who specializes in helping adults in midlife enjoy the VIP life —one marked by greater vibrancy, impact and purpose. Joe is the creator of the Silver Linings Network, which he established to encourage happiness, success and emotional health in midlife and later years. Invite him on your show and learn what you should focus on (besides money!) as you approach and dive into retirement and how aging boomers can make a difference, recreate themselves and stay relevant. He’ll also inspire and remind you to love and appreciate life at every age. Contact Joe Swinger at (385) 425-6705: joeswinger@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Bad Trips to Good Medicine: Psychedelics Go Mainstream

If the word “psychedelic” makes you think of Woodstock, the 1960s, and people dropping out of society, you are behind the times. While still prohibited by law, some once-considered “bad boys” of the drug culture (LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA), are now being seriously studied by science and found to be not-only completely non-addictive, but more effective in the relief of anxiety, addiction, and depression than any known or traditional treatment. Sparrow Hart is available for interview on this timely topic, having studied the variety of ways to alter and change consciousness for decades. He can discuss both the incredible promise of psychedelics as well as potential pitfalls for their misuse in an addictive and distraction-seeking culture. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, conscious dreaming, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact Sparrow Hart at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com

15. ==> The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College

Colleges across the country are scrambling, trying to figure out how to detect and contain the coronavirus on campus. At the University of Arizona, they’re taking an interesting approach that appears to have prevented a COVID outbreak. Every morning, around the time the majority of students take a shower or relieve themselves after a night’s sleep, a member of the university’s wastewater testing team gathers a sample from the sewer, according to Ian Pepper, director of the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center at Arizona. Days before signs of illness, people shed the virus in their waste, so finding COVID in the wastewater can provide “seven precious days for intervention,” Pepper says. When traces of COVID were found in the wastewater the first week of school, the university tested all 311 of the building’s residents and employees. Two asymptomatic students were detected and quarantined, preventing a larger outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sewage testing is intended to complement, rather than replace, conventional coronavirus testing. Dr. Ian Pepper is an environmental microbiologist. Contact him at (520) 626-2322; ipepper@ag.arizona.edu

09/17/2020 RTIR Newsletter: Stinky COVID Tracking, Trump Culture, Kindness Counts

01. Why are Trump Supporters So Loyal?
02. America’s Deadly Divorce from Science
03. The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College
04. Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men
05. Interview the Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’
06. Out of Work? Need Cash? 4 Ways to Make Extra Money
07. Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?
08. Can We Get Past Racial, Religious, and Cultural Differences?
09. Are State School Tests Racist?
10. 7-in-10 Americans are Math-Phobic
11. How to Flood Your Family (and Community) with Kindness
12. The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving the Pandemic
13. Fibromyalgia Awareness — Interview this Expert
14. Why Women Should Submit and Obey Their Husbands
15. Good News for Wine Lovers, Courtesy of COVID-19?

1. ==> Why are Trump Supporters So Loyal?

Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by disruption and turmoil, but his support has remained remarkably stable. How can that be? Political observers believe American voters are shifting away from transitory measures of performance like traditional metrics of peace and prosperity, and toward bedrock attitudes about demographic, cultural and economic change. “That is certainly what gives Trump a floor: By stoking those cultural war fires you are going to win over a certain share of the electorate that has this more racist and sexist and xenophobic views,” says Brian Schaffner, a Tufts University political scientist who has extensively studied the correlation between political preferences and cultural attitudes. “When your identity and view of (the nation’s) identity overlaps with your partisan identity so much, it’s hard to ever consider shifting sides,” Schaffner says. Some political observers believe that stability, paradoxically, points to years of polarization and rising turbulence in American politics and life. Brian Schaffner is co-author of several books including “Campaign Finance and Political Polarization: When Purists Prevail.” Contact him at (617) 627-3467; brian.schaffner@tufts.edu

2. ==> America’s Deadly Divorce from Science

Harvard University professor Naomi Oreskes believes that the social contract between science and American society is broken beyond repair. “The unfortunate reality is that our elected government is increasingly populated with many men and women who do not merely ignore scientific facts, they appear to despise them and the people who produce them. They see science as something that stands in the way of their political goals, and therefore must be pushed out of the way.” The author of “Why Trust Science?” says the solution isn’t a call for more science or the restoration of “scientific integrity,” whatever that is. She says, “As scientific conclusions become more indisputable, the machinations of those who are threatened by it become more outrageous. There comes a point when maybe one simply has to accept that the dream has died and it is time for a new one.” Naomi Oreskes is professor of the History of Science at Harvard University and the author of nearly 200 books, scholarly papers, and articles. Her opinion pieces have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and other major publications. Contact her at oreskes@fas.harvard.edu

3. ==> The Poop on Tracking COVID-19 at College

Colleges across the country are scrambling, trying to figure out how to detect and contain the coronavirus on campus. At the University of Arizona, they’re taking an interesting approach that appears to have prevented a COVID outbreak. Every morning, around the time the majority of students take a shower or relieve themselves after a night’s sleep, a member of the university’s wastewater testing team gathers a sample from the sewer, according to Ian Pepper, director of the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center at Arizona. Days before signs of illness, people shed the virus in their waste, so finding COVID in the wastewater can provide “seven precious days for intervention,” Pepper says. When traces of COVID were found in the wastewater the first week of school, the university tested all 311 of the building’s residents and employees. Two asymptomatic students were detected and quarantined, preventing a larger outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sewage testing is intended to complement, rather than replace, conventional coronavirus testing. Dr. Ian Pepper is an environmental microbiologist. Contact him at (520) 626-2322; ipepper@ag.arizona.edu

4.==> Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men

Michael Ian Black is many things: actor, comedian, screenwriter, award-winning children’s book author, essayist, memoirist, and podcaster. He is also a man and the father of a boy on the cusp of manhood himself. In his new book, “A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son,” Black offers a thoughtful and personal appraisal of the complicated meaning of masculinity in our times. Written in the form of a letter to his son as he gets ready to leave for college, the book is based on both personal experience and thoughtful observation of the rapid changes taking place in society. Black also shares stories of his complicated relationship with his own father, who died when he was a child, and his upbringing in an often-contentious lesbian household. Invite Black on your show to discuss coming-of-age in a time when boys were routinely told to “act like a man,” with no direction on how to do so — or even what those words meant; why we need to challenge the outdated assumptions our society continues to impose on boys about their place in the world; and how boys of the rising generation can navigate that change to become more evolved men. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

5. ==> Interview the Host of PBS’ ‘Simply Delicious Living’

As the host of PBS-TV’s “Simply Delicious Living,” Maryann Ridini Spencer inspires her viewers to live their bliss and best life every day. Invite her to share her top mood-boosting solutions, simple strategies to get happier and healthier, and how to find balance in your life both personally and professionally. She can also share her top five tips for simply delicious living and how gratefulness can lead to happiness. She is a TV/film producer, screenwriter, and the author of the award-winning Kate Grace Mystery books, “Lady in the Window” and “The Paradise Table.” Her work has appeared on “Hallmark Hall of Fame” (CBS-TV), the Hallmark Channel, CNN, USA, SyFy, Showtime and many other outlets. Contact Maryann Ridini Spencer at (818) 492-9135; mspencer@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Out of Work? Need Cash? 4 Ways to Make Extra Money

Millions of Americans have lost jobs or taken pay cuts since the pandemic began six months ago. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, people are anxious to hear about ways they can make money now and in the future. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke!,” wants to help with fresh ideas. She’ll talk to your listeners about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling their cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, selling unused gift cards, and selling their opinions to focus groups. Davis can also prepare your audience to spot scammers trying to tempt them with bogus job opportunities and offer tips on what household goods could be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced guest, Davis holds degrees from Howard University, Stanford, and Golden Gate University, and a Diploma of Graduation from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact Patricia Davis at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?

Did you know that because of COVID-19 many life insurance carriers have been forced to dramatically raise their costs while lowering benefits? This affects everyone’s life insurance policies and makes one thing certain — every policy needs a review. “Life settlements, a way to sell an existing policy, are a smart financial option for many,” says David Kottler, the Life Insurance Doctor™. “Life settlements are something to be aware of, as 90% of policies lapse before maturity, which is a huge loss to consumers!” David can explain what you need to ask to figure out what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best-Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy.” Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Can We Get Past Racial, Religious, and Cultural Differences?

When it comes to race, religion, politics and cultural identity most of us exist in a bubble. Too often we associate with people like ourselves, limiting our ability to identify with those who are different. Nadia Al-Samarrie is the exception. As the child of an American Catholic mother and an Iraqi Moslem diplomat father, she has lived in Iraq and Iran, and in California, where she went to high school. She’s witnessed and experienced racial and cultural tension throughout much of her life: as an American in the Middle East, being an Iraqi in Iran, and in the racial crossfire between white and Black communities here in the U.S. She sees herself and others as spirits defined not by their ethnic background, but by their unique life experiences. A conversation with Nadia will make the world seem smaller and more universal. She says, “We need to remember that tolerance unites us. We need to see and accept people as they are, understanding that no matter how different they may appear, they all want to feel safe, loved, and accepted.” Nadia’s new memoir is “From Bagdad to Berkeley: A Woman’s Affair.” An author and diabetes expert, she has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. Contact her at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Are State School Tests Racist?

Standardized testing is far worse than a necessary evil; the way the test data is interpreted can also harm the impoverished minority schools that most need encouragement. So says Lee Jenkins, a longtime educator, and administrator in public schools and universities. “Data from the tests is used to rank schools and school districts and label them. So, no matter what minority impoverished schools achieve, they will almost always be labeled as ‘failures’ because it is and always has been a ranking system. We survived this spring (because of the pandemic) without these damaging tests. Now is the time to devise a new system that encourages everyone.” Jenkins is the author of the just-released book, “How to Create a Perfect School,” which contains a foreword by Jack Canfield. He can talk about a better way to gather data to create more perfect schools. Contact Jenkins at (484) 306-8784; LJenkins@rtirguests.com

10. ==> 7-in-10 Americans are Math-Phobic

Many people wish they were better at math and look back at their math education with anything but fondness. Why are so many of us math-phobic? Why do we rely so much on calculators and try to let someone else be the one to figure out the restaurant bill? How can we feel more math-comfortable? Interview Teruni Lamberg, Ph.D., who knows all about the fear of math and the challenges educators face in teaching the subject. She says there’s a better way for more people to appreciate the beauty, simplicity and life-long necessity of math. Author of the new book “Work Smarter, Not Harder: A Framework for Math Teaching and Learning,” Dr. Lamberg can talk about ways to improve the teaching of mathematics and the way students absorb it. She’s ready to prove on-air how much fun math can be. Ask her: What do most people dread about math? Why is it never too late for students and adults to embrace math? Contact Teruni Lamberg at (775) 451-3086; TLamberg@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How to Flood Your Family (and Community) with Kindness

With the COVID pandemic and the long-term pain of racial injustice recently boiling to a head, educator and creative activist Laurie Marshall shares practical ways that parents can flood their families and communities with kindness. She’ll discuss creating a family story that captures your family’s values. In addition, she will share small daily practices, fun family projects, ways of turning daily chores into games that help your children (and you) be kinder, and ideas for being in service to your community in kindness. Marshall is a project-based learning and arts integration specialist who has worked with underserved youth for over 30 years. Her partners include FEMA and Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

12. ==> The Most Important Trait You Have for Surviving the Pandemic

As the world is rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, most people are experiencing one overriding, debilitating emotion. Fear is the biggest enemy in times of uncertainty, says Kim Chestney. “Now, more than ever, the most important thing we can do is to reconnect with our inner power.” Let Kim tell you how as she explores the role intuition can play in navigating stressful times. She’ll teach you how to cut through the stress, the BS and fake news, to get back to your center by tuning in to your inner truth. Kim is an international best-selling author and the founder of IntuitionLab. Her new book “Radical Intuition: A Revolutionary Guide to Your Inner Power” releases in the fall from New World Library. Contact her at (412) 214-9502; KChestney@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Fibromyalgia Awareness — Interview this Expert

Leah McCullough, affectionately known as The Fibro Lady, appreciates that she no longer deals with life-impacting pain, fatigue and depression. Now an international wellness speaker and author, she’s on a mission to help other pain sufferers cope, manage, and even recover from fibromyalgia. Invite this informative and vivacious speaker to discuss secrets to an upbeat mood, boundless energy, achieving a great night’s sleep, and also timely topics such as the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on chronic pain patients, as well as medical cannabis. Leah is the author of “Freedom from Fibromyalgia: 7 Steps to Complete Recovery and Eat to Energize.” Her free online program is “How to Reduce and Even Eliminate Fibromyalgia Pain.” Contact Leah at (859) 279-0413; LMcCullough@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Why Women Should Submit and Obey Their Husbands

Although it might seem counterintuitive and downright sexist in this modern age, Pastor Eric Hawthorne believes that women should be deferential to their spouses to divorce-proof their marriages. “Even if the wife makes more money than her husband, it’s important to look up to the man to be the leader of the family,” he says. He claims that feminism may be one of the leading causes of divorce, and embracing traditional roles in a marriage can improve the health of a spousal relationship. Eric is the second-generation pastor of Daystar Deliverance Ministries in Richardson, Texas, and the author of the upcoming book, “Are You Ready For Marriage?” Contact Eric at (214) 225- 0769; EHawthorne@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Good News for Wine Lovers, Courtesy of COVID-19

COVID-19 has devastated the restaurant business and closed down a major market for many wineries. But is there a slice of silver in this cumulus of darkness? Something good, possibly, for the average wine consumer? It seems so, as many wineries now have far too much inventory and are taking extreme measures to unload it. Jim Laughren, CWE, will show your listeners how to take advantage of the situation and create a win-win outcome for all concerned. You’ll hear about the extreme measures winegrowers are now taking, how COVID-19 will impact next year’s wines, and where consumers can find the best wine bargains. Jim Laughren is the author of “50 Ways to Love Wine More” and “A Beer Drinker’s Guide to Knowing and Enjoying Fine Wine.” Contact him at (954) 884-8539; JLaughren@rtirguests.com

09/15/20 RTIR Newsletter: Wildfires’ Fury, New Beatles DOCU, Frozen Embryos

01. Wildfires + Plastic Pipes = Water Contamination
02. Why Wildfires are So Destructive
03. Brace for these 4 Trends
04. New Documentary Goes Inside a Migrant Caravan
05. Emmy Awards are Sunday: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball
06. Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?
07. Are Frozen Embryos People or Property?
08. How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation
09. What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit
10. Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More
11. Tools for Stressed-Out Homeschooling Parents
12. 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload
13. What I Learned by Facing What Most People Fear
14. Will We Run Out of Nurses?
15. How Your Disorganization Could Actually Kill You

1. ==> Wildfires + Plastic Pipes = Water Contamination

Environmentalist Michael Dorsey warns that the devastating wildfires plaguing California and other areas may be creating another problem: water contamination from melted plastic pipes. “Across the United States, melted PVC piping destroyed by intense fires has long threatened communities by exposing groundwater supplies to a litany of carcinogens and poisons, from benzene to toluene and much more.” He adds, “It could take months to determine the full scope of the damage, but one thing is certain: People returning home after evacuating may very well find themselves without certified clean, fresh water to drink. The 2018 Camp fire, which similarly melted plastic pipes in Paradise, California, forced residents there to rebuild their entire water distribution system due to widespread contamination by toxic chemicals like benzene.” Michael Dorsey sits on the board of the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland, California. He is a global affiliate of the Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont. Contact him at mkdorsey@aya.yale.edu

2. ==> Why Wildfires are So Destructive

More than 85 major fires are burning up and down the West Coast, from northern Washington to Southern California and have killed at least 17 people in three states. The fires have caused unprecedented damage in Washington and Oregon and exacerbated what has already become California’s biggest wildfire season ever. Invite wildfire expert James Moseley on your show to discuss the way we battle these wildfires and why they cause such widespread damage. Moseley can share what factors lead to wildfires and whether climate change is entirely to blame. You’ll learn why we may see new wildfire dangers in many states as well as how we can better protect firefighters and save lives. Moseley is the CEO of Sun FireDefense, a company that offers advanced fire defense and home wildfire protection products. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Brace for these 4 Trends

Gerald Celente, publisher of Trends Journal, has a 30-plus year track record of accurate and timely trend forecasting. Invite him on your show to hear four trends he sees ahead for Americans. Discuss his prediction of a market super-meltdown tied to the debt market and when he believes that will happen, whether Americans will embrace a COVID-19 vaccine once it’s approved, and why mental health issues will cripple the nation, dwarfing the physical damage done by the coronavirus. Celente developed the Globalnomic® methodology to identify, track, forecast and manage trends. Unencumbered by political dogma, rigid ideology or conventional wisdom, Celente observes and analyzes the current events forming future trends for what they are — not for the way he wants them to be. He has been featured on Oprah, all of the major network/cable morning shows and the nightly news and in newspapers worldwide. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

4. ==> New Documentary Goes Inside a Migrant Caravan

Nat Geo’s new documentary “Blood on the Wall” takes viewers to Central America, as a caravan of migrants seeking a better life heads north to the United States, while narco-traffickers — part of the cause for the caravan — move drugs and money back and forth across the same border. The film, from Academy Award-nominated director Sebastian Junger and Emmy-winning producer Nick Quested, explores the depths of corruption plaguing Mexico and Central America and the policies of the past that have made it impossible for everyday people to find justice. Shot in the same journalistic style as their other films, “Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS,” “Korengal,” and the Oscar-nominated “Restrepo,” the documentary highlights the humanity of the migrants and shows how politics, the drug trade, violence, and the desire for safety result in unbelievable anguish happening in plain sight. Producer Nick Quested is available for interviews. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

5. ==> Emmy Awards are Sunday: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball

It won’t be at the glamourous Hollywood event we’re used to, but the show will go on this Sunday as the Emmy Awards go virtual. In anticipation of TV’s big night, celebrate the life and career of Lucille Ball, who for years was the most Emmy-garlanded woman, winning six and being nominated (if you count lifetime awards) a whopping 15 times! Her last Emmy award was given posthumously in 1989. Darin Strauss, author of “The Queen of Tuesday: A Lucille Ball Story,” will share fascinating facts about Lucy and how she transformed the TV industry and became the world’s first female media mogul — all while suspected of being a communist and navigating the public outcry over her interracial marriage to Cuban co-star Desi Arnaz. Strauss is the author of several books. His latest, “The Queen of Tuesday,” is a blend of history, fiction and memoir that imagines his grandfather having an affair with Lucille Ball — whom his grandfather actually did meet at a ceremony held by Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, in 1966. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

6. ==> Does ‘Meeting the Beatles in India’ Tell the Whole Story?

With the release of the filmmaker Paul Saltzman’s new documentary, “Meeting The Beatles in India,” now is the time to meet Susan Shumsky, who spent 22 years in the ashrams and six years on the personal staff of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). This multi-award-winning author exposes the complete, uncensored, unapologetic, behind-the-scenes story of the Beatles in India. Susan’s fascinating version of events digs deeper to unearth much more than Saltzman’s film. Produced by David Lynch (founder of the TM-based David Lynch Foundation), the film paints TM as the hero. In contrast, Susan, a rare insider, spills stunning, behind-the-curtain secrets about what it was really like at the ashram, and how Maharishi influenced the Beatles and their song lyrics. She has participated in more than 1,200 interviews including for the Sunday Express of London, L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, GQ, Woman’s World, and Fox News with Alan Colmes. Susan has 18 books in print in English, 36 foreign editions, and has won 40 prestigious book awards. Reach her at (917) 992-5175; divinerev@aol.com

7. ==> Are Frozen Embryos People or Property?

Recent news stories have explored the issue of frozen embryos caught in the crossfire of couples who have uncoupled. Fertilized during happier times, these embryos may remain in limbo forever and rack up storage fees if the couples cannot agree on their future. Or, as Nate Birt advises, the couple can agree to let the frozen embryo be adopted by someone else, a possibility they may not have considered. Learn more when you interview Nate, whose daughter began life as another couple’s frozen embryo. Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Ask him: What are some of the controversies that surround frozen embryos? Are fertilized embryos people or property? How costly is it to adopt such an embryo? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

8. ==> How to Survive an Active Shooter Situation

Gun violence is on the rise in cities across the country. In Chicago, ten people were killed and 43 injured in gun-related incidents this past weekend. Baltimore reported more than 40 shootings last week with dozens killed. How can we protect ourselves and loved ones from becoming unintended victims of the violence? What should you do if you find yourself in an active shooter situation? Explore the answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Ask him: How should people observe, react, find safety, shield others, or fight back during an active shooting incident? Which survival tips work best in different settings? Allen Banks is CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com

9. ==> What You Could Lose by Winning a Lawsuit

Talk about initiating a lawsuit and most people think: Hefty settlement! Getting justice! (Or retribution.) Healing and starting over. But legal trouble is stressful and expensive, and lawsuits can last years, taking more out of you than you gain. So warns attorney Francine Tone, who’s been educating the public for years about getting the right legal help, asking prudent questions, making wise decisions, and proceeding with caution as legal challenges unfold. Invite her to explore realities about suing and being sued, myths and truths about the law, and how even winning lawsuits can jeopardize your business, marriage or health. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More

Even before the pandemic, there were more than 14 million taxpayers who ended up in the collection division of the Internal Revenue Service. Now with COVID-19 affecting just about every taxpayer, both personal and business, there are likely to be many more Americans facing the wrath of the IRS. David Bradley, a CPA specializing in IRS tax resolution, says the IRS is the most brutal collection agency in the world so it’s important to know your rights. Bradley will explain the rules the IRS must abide by when conducting an audit or inquiry, share tips for interacting with IRS agents and answer questions on everything from personal tax issues to small business ones. David Bradley, CPA, has represented hundreds of clients with the IRS negotiating offers for discounted settlement, audit defense, abatement of penalties, filing multi-year delinquent returns, removal of wage garnishments, bank levy’s, payroll tax problems, and release of tax liens. Contact him at (214) 710-1255; dcb@cpafirmdallas.com

11. ==> Tools for Stressed-Out Homeschooling Parents

Parenting is never easy, but families have been stuck together for months now and things have gone a little haywire in many homes. September usually brings relief with kids going back to school, but this year many students are sitting at the kitchen table instead of a desk in a classroom. How can we keep on keeping on without completely losing it? Families will welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why families should make a practice of singing and dancing together, and how taking three deep breaths when they feel out of control can center parents and interrupt impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and the author of multiple books. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical Gardens). Contact Laurie Marshall at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

12. ==> 5 Realistic Tips for Coping with Pandemic Overload

More than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic people are starting to get antsy for a return to normalcy. Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY), an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter, has found that his corporate clients are now seeking his advice on coping strategies they can offer their employees to lessen information overload and feelings of isolation. Odeh, who is also an on- and off-road marathoner, says, “Surviving in the age of COVID-19 is akin to running a marathon … and there are five daily steps you can take to train for living in pandemic times.” Odeh’s suggestions include reading the news instead of watching it, focusing on what’s going on in the moment instead of worrying about the future, and spending time on things you can control like your health and wellness. He’ll also discuss the benefits of soaking in a little sunshine sans sunscreen and ways to keep active, no matter what your schedule or circumstance. Odeh is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

13. ==> What I Learned by Facing What Most People Fear

Pandemic. Wildfire. Tornado. Earthquake. Hurricane. Tsunami. When it comes to inspiring fear, Mother Nature can sure dish it out. No one knows that better than Sana Brauner, who nearly died in a tsunami that came out of nowhere, claiming her mother and young daughter. In the 16 years since then, Sana has learned a lot about facing sudden, unexpected events and the fear they engender and can share lessons we need as we face the continued disruption of our lives from COVID-19. She can inspire audience members to see the future and create the life they need to get there. She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter.” Contact Sana Brauner at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at Skype: sanabr

14. ==> Will We Run Out of Nurses?

Right now, we need nurses more than ever, but what kind of career can you expect in the profession? What should you know as you enter nursing school, graduate, become registered, and begin a nursing career? What will it take to keep you on the job? How can we all help prevent nursing shortages since the aging population needs such professionals more than ever? You’ll want to explore this timely topic and the nursing experience with all its implications by interviewing Nancy Congleton. In addition to offering solutions to help today’s nurses and ultimately everyone they serve, she will reveal the unexpected realities of the nursing profession, five relationship dynamics that nurses face, legal issues, and the concerns everyone should have when nurses feel so unprepared and overworked that they leave. An outspoken registered nurse known as Nurse Nancy, Nancy Covington has worked in the NICU, ER and case management. She’s the author of “Autopsy of the NP: Dissecting the Nursing Profession Piece By Piece.” Contact Nancy Congleton at (918) 992-4616; NCongleton@rtirguests.com

15. ==> How Your Disorganization Could Actually Kill You

In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history, but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com

 

09/10/20 RTIR Newsletter: Michael Ian Black, 9/11, Grandparents Day

01. Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men
02. ‘Little House’ Star finds Virtual Fans Off the Prairie
03. 9/11: Put Politics Aside and Do Good Deeds
04. Is Wall Street Eyeing the USPS?
05. Time to Move Out of the City? Americans Seek Safe Havens
06. National Grandparents Day is Sunday
07. Help Teens Navigate the New Normal
08. Ways Parents Can Make This School Year a Success
09. How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives
10. Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll
11. Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves
12. How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life
13. This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning
14. Why a Too Safe Life is Dangerous
15. Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?

1.==> Comedian Michael Ian Black on Raising Better Men

Michael Ian Black is many things: actor, comedian, screenwriter, award-winning children’s book author, essayist, memoirist, podcaster. He is also a man, and the father of a boy on the cusp of manhood himself. In his new book, “A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son,” Black offers a thoughtful and personal appraisal of the complicated meaning of masculinity in our times. Written in the form of a letter to his son as he gets ready to leave for college, the book is based on both personal experience and thoughtful observation of the rapid changes taking place in society. Black also shares stories of his complicated relationship with his own father, who died when he was a child, and his upbringing in an often-contentious lesbian household. Invite Black on your show to discuss coming-of-age in a time when boys were routinely told to “act like a man,” with no direction on how to do so—or even what those words meant; why we need to challenge the outdated assumptions our society continues to impose on boys about their place in the world; and how boys of the rising generation can navigate that change to become more evolved men. Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

2. ==> ‘Little House’ Star finds Virtual Fans Off the Prairie

While much of Hollywood and the entertainment industry has found themselves without work or creative outlets during the COVID crisis, there are those who embraced the situation and reinvented themselves to meet the circumstances. At a time when people across the country have been social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic, Alison Arngrim, has been very social, albeit virtually. You may remember Alison as the bonnet-wearing, nasty Nellie Oleson from the 70s TV classic “Little House on the Prairie.” In the early days of the pandemic, Alison started reading the Little House book series live on Facebook and quickly drew an enthusiastic and loyal audience as she added special virtual guests to participate in the daily readings. Now, as the entertainment industry starts to slowly reopen, Arngrim has several new projects in the works. She’ll start shooting the musically-driven family feature “Twice Upon a Song” in Utah later this month and she now has her own radio show! In addition to acting, Alison Arngrim is a bestselling author, activist, and stand-up comedian. She currently serves as president, national spokesperson, and founding board member of The National Association to Protect Children. Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

3. ==> 9/11: Put Politics Aside and Do Good Deeds

This Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In keeping with a tradition begun in 2004, numerous leaders of the 9/11 community have sent letters to the Trump and Biden campaigns requesting that each voluntarily suspend political campaign activities, social media, and advertising this Friday, in favor of solemn expressions of service and remembrance. “On this one day, we ask President Trump and Vice President Biden to honor those lost, and those who rose in service, by setting aside their political differences for the moment and focusing instead on the solemn nature of the day and the opportunity that they and we all have to make a difference for those in need,” says Jay Winuk, cofounder of the nonprofit 9/11 Day. Given the current pandemic, the group is providing creative, virtual ways for Americans to participate in what is now known as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. The 911Day.org website features good deeds that can all be done virtually and include supporting frontline workers, voting access, COVID-19 response, supporting struggling local restaurants, promoting diversity and more. Jay Winuk and David Paine started the nonprofit 9/11 Day after Winuk’s brother Glenn, a lawyer, volunteer firefighter and EMT, died in the 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in New York City. Contact Emily Walsh or Omar Renta at 9/11day@sunshinesachs.com

4.==> Is Wall Street Eyeing the USPS?

Apart from politically motivated attacks on the Postal Service before the election, Porter McConnell says there’s another malevolent force at work on this important institution: Wall Street. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is reportedly in talks with JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, on an exclusive contract to put that private bank’s branches inside post offices. She says, “JPMorgan and DeJoy are trying to head off rising support for what is known as ‘postal banking’ — a plan to revive the post office as a place where people can go to get low-cost, non-predatory banking services.” McConnell says we should treat the U.S. Postal Service as a service, not a business, and certainly not a plaything of Wall Street. She suggests the Post Office become a local hub for services, as in other countries. “They already provide money orders and manage passport applications. What if they could provide everything from basic bank accounts to remittances to fishing licenses? We could join our OECD peers, and indeed most nations around the globe, in using the over 30,000 post offices around the country to provide the bricks-and-mortar infrastructure needed to serve every community in the digital age.” Porter McConnell is Take on Wall Street campaign director at Americans for Financial Reform. Contact Carter Dougherty at carter@ourfinancialsecurity.org; @RealBankReform

5. ==> Time to Move Out of the City? Americans Seek Safe Havens

Big cities around the country are experiencing a mass exodus. In just three months, New York City has seen more than 400,000 residents relocate to smaller towns, and every other major city is seeing similar urban flight. Meantime, Realtors in rural areas are reporting a surge in people buying houses sight unseen! Marjorie Wildcraft says it’s becoming clear to more and more people that working remotely, as well as never-ending coronavirus waves and a host of other threats, are here to stay, and it’s time for a permanent move to a safer location. But where? What are the most important things to consider in choosing a new place to live? What are the biggest mistakes people make? Wildcraft can answer all those questions and share how to quickly find a community you’ll love that also has the resiliency that’s essential in these challenging times. Listeners will learn seven shortcuts to finding the perfect safe haven, specific elements any property you purchase needs to have today, and the “gas tank” rule. National Geographic featured Marjory Wildcraft as an expert in off-the-grid living. She’s hosted the Mother Earth News Online Homesteading Summit and is the founder of the Grow Network, an online community of 450,000 people devoted to stopping the destruction of the Earth via homegrown food. Contact Shay Jackson at media@marjorywildcraft.com or (312) 971-7214

6. ==> National Grandparents Day: Are Grandparents More Important Than Ever?

This Sunday, September 13th, is National Grandparents Day, a time for us to celebrate the special gifts grandparents bring to our lives and those of our children. Perhaps it is more important to celebrate this holiday this year during the pandemic when seeing grandparents face-to-face may be not be possible. The role grandparents play in children’s lives is evolving and as many as 2.7 million grandparents have assumed the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. This year, why not honor this special bond by interviewing Oliver Akamnonu, M.D., who can discuss why he and his wife left their high-powered careers to help their daughter and new grandchild and why today’s grandparents often go beyond offering financial support, childcare and parental advice to make a difference in their family’s lives? Dr. Akamnonu has authored 18 books including one with his wife, “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Dr. Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Help Teens Navigate the New Normal

School is back in session but for millions of teens, there are still no lunches with friends, after-school sports or clubs. Isolation caused by social distancing has been difficult for most of us. But according to Steven Hall, M.D., this has been especially hard on teens. “Interacting with their peers is very important to teenagers,” he says. “This is a normal stage of development. COVID-19 is interfering with that and may be creating some especially powerful feelings in teens.” Trained in traditional Western medicine, Dr. Steven combines alternative, integrative medicine into his practice to simultaneously treat patients’ bodies, minds and spirits. He can share simple yet powerful advice to help your teen get through these challenging times. He is the author of “The 7 Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires.” Contact him at (425) 531-3684, shall@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Ways Parents Can Make This School Year a Success

We all hoped social distancing and wearing face masks would be over by the time kids went back to school. But COVID-19 is far from over. How can parents who had no intention of (or experience) being home-school teachers make the most of this year? Jean Alfieri, author of “Zuggy the Rescue Pug,” can offer six ways to make this school term a success. With many schools requiring both in-person and at-home learning, Jean suggests parents follow these steps: Stay positive. Your kids will likely embrace your attitude so let them know this is unusual but okay. Make it fun; get outside and enjoy a lesson under a tree while the weather is still nice. Use your resources; there are plenty if you know where to look. Plan your day; a regular routine and a posted agenda are good for kids and grown-ups. Don’t forget the arts; many schools have cut out art and music classes, but they are important to a child’s creative brain. Allow yourself some grace; you’re doing a great job! Jean is a veteran of organizational development in both small and large companies who left the corporate world to pursue more personal projects. Contact her at (602) 397-1344; ZuggythePug@gmail.com

9. ==> How the Law of Unintended Consequences Shapes Our Lives

You’ve heard of the law of gravity, the laws of electricity and magnetism and general relativity. Each has an enormous impact on life in the universe. But Steve Mays has discovered what may be an even more powerful law — the law of unintended consequences, which he likes to think of as “a law created by God to let us silly humans know that we are not quite as smart and clever as we think we are.” On your show, Steve can look at ways unintended consequences played out in the past and continue to do so today. For example, he says Watergate was an unintended consequence of Richard Nixon’s paranoia. Impeachment, loss of law license, thousands of dollars in settlements, and loss of control of the House and Senate were Bill Clinton’s unintended consequences from his association with Monica Lewinsky. The more unintended consequences that occur as a result of a leader’s actions and the more significant they are, the clearer the signal that the leader is in trouble, Steve says. No one can completely avoid unintended consequences because none of us is that good. Ask him what leaders can do instead. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Contact Steven Mays at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Award-Winning Musician on God, Science and Rock ’n’ Roll

Dennis Marcellino is truly a Renaissance man. A former member of many top bands including The Tokens (The Lion Sleeps Tonight), Sly & The Family Stone, The Elvin Bishop Group and more, Dennis’ musical biography reads like a Who’s Who of multi-talented relatives and showbiz awards. But interview this musician, vocalist, composer and arranger and you’ll quickly learn that his real passion involves something even more inspirational; sharing scientific proof that God exists, and Genesis is literally true. Dennis Marcellino has an extensive history in the music business. He’s recorded more than a dozen albums, scored and composed several songs for films, and is the author of numerous political and inspirational books including “The Proof that God Exists and the Bible is True.” Contact: Dennis Marcellino at Dennis@PeaceAndClarity.com

11. ==> Why Everyone Is Getting on Your Nerves

People’s differences can create stress at the best of times. Months into a pandemic and all that entails and, well, those stresses can explode. Leadership expert Marc A. Pitman can tell you why people act the way they do. Using an easy-to-understand system, he’ll provide insight into why your team, staff, or family may be harder to get along with right now. He’ll explain the different ways people react to stress and how to help you get through the pandemic and come out even stronger than before. His upcoming book, “The Surprising Gift of Doubt,” provides a framework for people to move past feeling like a fraud and manage teams more effectively. Contact Marc Pitman at (317) 751-1610; mpitman@rtirguests.com

12. ==> How a New Hobby Could Save Your Life

Having a hobby or two is good advice for living a happier life. But did you know that it could also be lifesaving? This is particularly true for recent empty nesters, according to award-winning author Mary K. Savarese, whose own hobby — writing books — came after her last child left home and she overcame significant anxiety about her new family dynamic. Mary can talk about why it is important to find yourself, how anxiety can become your best friend and even how to find a new hobby (that could turn into a career) that’s best for you. Mary has appeared in local publications and has been featured on Mindalia TV, NBC affiliate and iHeartRadio. Her latest book is “Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume, (who knew!).” Contact Mary at (860) 550-3344; maryksavarese@gmail.co

13. == > This Guest Gives 1,300+ Tips on Making Meaning

Invite writer and Professor Bob Lichtenbert, Ph.D., on-air for an unforgettable interview. His latest book includes over 1,300 pieces of advice on how to make more meaning (defined as “impact for good”) in one’s life and especially in other’s lives. Isn’t it a great goal for anyone, to be happier? Bob will reveal how his information applies the greatest idea of making meaning in our daily lives and how he makes his advice accessible to the typical person. Learn how and why he started “collecting” tips on index cards almost 40 years ago. His “tips” introduce the new field he calls “meaningology.” You’ll hear some of his favorites: connect to something larger than yourself (other people, helpful social causes, God) and know the absolute laws of logic to determine the soundness of all thinking. This is especially meaningful during COVID-19! Contact Bob at (773) 819-9184; BLichtenbert@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Why a Too-Safe Life is Dangerous

Everyone wants to feel safe, especially when a virulent virus makes its way around the world. But safety has a downside we don’t always think about … it can actually be dangerous, says author and adventurer Sparrow Hart. Invite him on your program to discuss why “safety-ism” — valuing safety above everything else — runs counter to both scientific research and ancient wisdom. You’ll learn why safety is antithetical to passion and growth, and toxic to a life of adventure and meaning. Sparrow’s varied career includes being a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, a brief stint working in a slaughterhouse, adventures in the Amazon jungle, and over 30 years of leading workshops on shamanism, the heroic journey, and vision quests in nature. He is the author of several books including “Letters to the River: A Guide to a Dream Worth Living.” Contact him at (801) 516-0740; SHart@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Can You Drink Your Way to Increased Immunity?

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, everyone has been talking about immunity. How can your body be healthier to ward off disease? Can we be wiser in what we eat and drink? What’s the best natural way to bring about strength, energy, healthier skin and ultimately longer life? For the answers, listen to Tilak Sikva, an expert in nutrition and health research and the inventor of CilanTea. Ask her: What makes cilantro an unexpected health food? What’s the best way to take advantage of its benefits? Which commonly imbibed beverages decrease immunity? Contact Tilak Silva at (310) 483-2785, tsilva@rtirguests.com

Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com

9/8/2020 RTIR Newsletter: Time Off to Vote, Vegas Secrets, Stressed Out Kids

01. Want Americans to Vote? Give Them the Day Off
02. Why You Should Be a Poll Worker This Year
03. This Protest Uses Trump’s Words Against Him
04. What is Life Like as a Hollywood Stuntman?
05. What Netflix’s ‘Indian Matchmaker’ Gets Right … and Wrong
06. What Happens in Vegas … Former Cop Tells All
07. How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop
08. COVID’s Agonizing Effect on Chronic Pain
09. Gut Punch: Stress is Wreaking Havoc on Kids’ Stomachs
10. Take the ‘Before You Get Out of Bed’ Challenge
11. Why It’s Time to Admit We’re All Afraid
12. It’s a Tough Year — How a New Mindset Can Save You Now and Later
13. We’ve Forgotten How to Have Pleasant Conversation
14. No More Naked Audiences When You are the Speaker
15. We Need More Super Grandparents

1. ==> Want Americans to Vote? Give Them the Day Off

The 2020 elections face many unique challenges, but a growing number of businesses are promising to give employees the time and tools they need to vote. More than 700 large and small companies have joined Time to Vote, a business-led, nonpartisan coalition. “The need has never been greater for businesses to provide their employees dedicated time off to vote,” says Dan Schulman, president and CEO of PayPal, one of the three companies that founded Time to Vote in 2018. “No American should have to choose between earning a paycheck and voting. Business leaders around the country must step up and do what’s needed to ensure all of their employees will have the opportunity to have their voices heard this November.” Time to Vote is asking more companies to join the movement and commit to giving employees the time and resources they need to vote. The goal is to have more than 1,000 companies – from a diverse set of industries representing every state – join the movement by November 3. Time to Vote was founded by Levi Strauss & Co., Patagonia and PayPal ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, when 411 companies joined. For interviews, contact Tiffany Peng at PayPal at tipeng@paypal.com, Corley Kenna at Patagonia at corley.kenna@patagonia.com or Kelly Mason at Levi Strauss & Co. at newsmediarequests@levi.com

2. ==> Why You Should Be a Poll Worker This Year

Want to know how you can help democracy run smoother this election? Volunteer to be a poll worker! Jonathon Diaz, legal counsel for voting rights at the Campaign Legal Center, says, “The chaos caused by a poll worker shortage isn’t some hypothetical problem; we saw the impact of shorthanded election offices in primary elections earlier this year in places like Georgia and Wisconsin. When states and counties don’t have enough volunteers to work the polls, they have to consolidate polling places, resulting in long lines, burdensome delays and crowded polling locations, which, during a pandemic, creates a greater risk of spreading disease.” Learn how elections officials have turned to unusual methods to recruit volunteers in response to this impending crisis and what voting advocates and nonprofit organizations are doing to boost recruitment efforts among young people to pick up the slack for older, vulnerable workers unable to participate this year. Becoming a poll worker isn’t difficult and in some places, poll workers are paid! Eligibility requirements and time commitments vary depending on where you live, but your state and county election officials should have all the information that you need to be able to sign up. There’s also an online tool to help figure it out. Jonathan Diaz is legal counsel for voting rights at the Campaign Legal Center (CLC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. He is also a CNN election law analyst. Before joining CLC, Diaz worked in private legal practice in New York and at the National Hispanic Media Coalition in Washington, D.C. Contact him at (202) 856-7912; media@campaignlegal.org

3. ==> This Protest Uses Trump’s Words Against Him

Fueled by President Trump’s quote, “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters,” the group behind a new protest project believes it’s time to use art to show Trump what losing voters actually looks like. The group #LouderThanHate is calling all artists, property owners and activists to join their unified artistic protest revolution by turning the tables on the derogatory, racist climate the current administration has created by using Trump’s words against him. Artists from around the country are being asked to interpret famous divisive words said by Donald Trump and depict what it means to them in their unique media. Examples include creating murals on buildings, 3D mapping on landmarks and billboard truck designs. Each piece of art will proudly display the hashtag #LouderThanHate. Not artistic, but fed-up with the toxic climate President Trump has created? You can contribute to a particular project via donations. All of the artwork will lead up to a public unveiling on October 24, the day of a March for All in our nation’s capital celebrating Free Speech Week. For interviews and information on participating in the project, contact Christopher Frendo at (313) 717-9257; team@louderthanhate.com

4. ==> What is Life Like as a Hollywood Stuntman?

Steve McChesney knows what it was like to put his life on the line for the sake of entertainment. As a Hollywood stuntman, actor, or extra he appeared in more than 350 TV shows and movies, Part of that time, Steve earned money by falling off of high places, being knocked off of walls, performing stunts in automobiles and doing other things designed to make the audience’s hearts race. To the delight of baby boomers and others who love classic TV and movies, he can talk about the work he did on “Star Trek 6,” the last movie with the show’s original cast, “Starsky and Hutch,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Wonder Woman” and more, and why professional stunt people are the safest people to hang around with. Now a marketing expert, Steve McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC, and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact Steve McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

5. ==> What Netflix’s ‘Indian Matchmaker’ Gets Right … and Wrong

Netflix’s popular docu-series “Indian Matchmaker” has a lot of people talking this summer. In the show, a matchmaker guides clients in the U.S. and India through the arranged marriage process. While many find the show entertaining, it’s also controversial. Raj Girn encourages people to watch the show because of the inequalities it exposes. Raj, who was once in an unsuccessful arranged marriage, can talk about why she finds “Indian Matchmaker” horrifying for its depiction of the rampant prejudice that exists in the Indian community, which she says is akin to systemic racism experienced in the Black community. She can also talk about ways the show relates to her own disastrous arranged marriage, shedding light on what for most Americans is a foreign culture. Raj is a well-known media personality in Canada and a serial media entrepreneur who has worked in many communication-intensive industries with thought leaders, celebrities, and multinational corporations. Contact her at (647) 490-3158; Rgirn@rtirguests.com

6. ==> What Happens in Vegas … Former Cop Tells All

Las Vegas has earned its reputation as Sin City. And back in the early 1980s when Mark Rusin was a young police officer there, his job brought him face-to-face with some crazy situations which he’ll detail on your show. Ask him about the role his uniformed partner played in a bar’s wet T-shirt contest, about the time a john showed him what $70,000 in cash looked like, and about the “small” detail he missed while interviewing a stabbing victim. On a more serious note, he can also share the police call that has haunted him every day since he was called to the MGM Grand Hotel on Nov. 21, 1980. Rusin is a former ATF special agent who knows what “really” happened at Waco and has met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. Rusin has also been a consultant to “CSI” and other shows. He is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles” and an earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” which was based on real events. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

7. ==> How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop

Because of the pandemic, the bottom has fallen out of many businesses, affecting not only their owners but also the employees who work for them who have been furloughed or had their hours cut. What are some specific things small businesses can do to recover? Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY) has answers culled from his experience bringing his personal training company back from a 70% drop in revenue that resulted from the 2008 recession. Invite Rami on your show to hear about the big risk he took that started his company’s return to healthy profitability and the importance of seeking help when you need it. The lessons Rami learned along the way are valuable to every business owner whether on the way up, the way down, plateaued, or trying to build a saleable business. Rami is an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter with dual master’s degrees in industrial psychology and exercise physiology. Rami is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

8. ==> COVID’s Agonizing Effect on Chronic Pain

At least a quarter of your audience suffers from chronic pain, with their agony worsened by changes in health care that were associated with COVID-19. That’s one issue family physician Trevor Campbell, M.D., can address but there’s one that is even more important: even before the pandemic, he says treatments for chronic pain have relied too much on temporary measures like medications and injection therapies that are easily billable for doctors while neglecting the essential and affordable missing piece in chronic pain, the psycho-social elements that reverse its causes and triggers. For many listeners and their families, this could be a game-changing interview. Trevor studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, before immigrating to Canada. His new book is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact Trevor Campbell at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Gut Punch: Stress is Wreaking Havoc on Kids’ Stomachs

Stress is the main trigger for irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, and digestive issues in children, adolescents, and adults. These problems occur in 14% of children, 35% of adolescents, and 15% of adults and lead to absenteeism in school and the workplace. There are no medications that are helpful for these problems. And this makes the problem vexing to both parents and patients. For a look at why that number is so high and what patients and parents can do, interview Stanford-trained pediatrician Jeff Lazarus, M.D. He has developed the “Controlling Your Gut Feelings” program using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medical hypnosis, and motivational interviewing techniques to assist young patients and adults. Ask him: How serious are gastrointestinal problems in children? What are the typical symptoms? Is diet ever a culprit? Will these problems persist for life? What can you do to help your child? Contact Dr. Lazarus at (216) 202-3112; jlazarusmd@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Take the ‘Before You Get Out of Bed’ Challenge

Do this one little thing before you get out of bed each day, and you will experience more joy, confidence and productivity. It only takes 2-3 minutes and has been proven to help people dramatically shift their lives. It’s not mediation, visualizing or goal setting. Cathleen Lamberton, a coach and emotional fitness trainer, gives this powerful challenge to her clients and it has revolutionized their lives. Invite her on your show and learn how writing ten things you’re grateful for before your feet even hit the floor can make a huge difference in your life. She’ll explain what else you can do each morning, for ten days, to completely shift your perspective and your feelings, and share tips and tools to help anyone experiencing sudden and unexpected loss. Cathleen will explain why her simple exercise is so powerful (especially during this challenging year), offering specific examples of how it’s transformed people from all walks of life, from a woman in a miserable marriage to a veteran suffering from PTSD. Cathleen’s new book is “Shattered Together.” Contact Cathleen Lamberton at (802) 613-0678; clamberton@rtirguests.com

11. ==> Why It’s Time to Admit We’re All Afraid

Pandemic. Wildfire. Tornado. Earthquake. Hurricane. Tsunami. When it comes to inspiring fear, Mother Nature can sure dish it out. No one knows that better than Sana Brauner, who nearly died in a tsunami that came out of nowhere, claiming her mother and young daughter. In the 16 years since then, Sana has learned a lot about facing sudden, unexpected events and the fear they engender and can share lessons we need as we face the continued disruption of our lives from COVID-19. She can inspire audience members to see the future and create the life they need to get there. She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter.” Contact Sana Brauner at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at Skype: sanabr

12. It’s a Tough Year — How a New Mindset Can Save You Now and Later

Sad to say, societal problems are on the rise. To prevail and build a better present and future, even as we face political upheaval and diseases attacking us, we must change. So says Reverend Arthur Mackey, a prolific author, focused researcher, respected pastor and sought-after media guest. He’ll show your audience how to develop a mindset that makes positive change possible and saves lives in the process. Mackey is the author of “Overcoming the Spirit of Depression.” He’ll inspire audiences as he explores everything from family and workplace influences to health/social services, faith-based resources and education programs worth knowing. Ask him: Why is it never too late to change or improve your surroundings, relationships, mood and ideals? What are the four most effective ways to change your mindset, minus the stress? Does healing always require medicine? What’s the role of prayer for navigating a happier, healthier lifestyle? Contact Reverend Arthur Mackey at (516) 219-8392; AMackey@rtirguests.com

13. ==> We’ve Forgotten How to Have Pleasant Conversation

When is the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse, a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during COVID-19. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won! Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win! Ivan is an author and Renaissance man. His novel “Eye of the Moon” won “Best First Book (Fiction)” in the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

14. ==> No More Naked Audiences When You are the Speaker

When speaking in front of a group, whether in-person or virtually on-screen, you need to get over your nerves and apprehension. First of all — you do NOT need to imagine your audience naked! That old chestnut never works. You’ll want your presentation, confidence and message to wow everyone instead. So says communications and leadership expert Jill Jaysen, who will reveal how we’ve been taught all wrong when it comes to public speaking and reveal five myths that threaten your speaking prowess! You’ll learn why gimmicks like practicing in the mirror and videotaping yourself create mediocre speakers at best. Contact Jill Jaysen at (203) 442-9301; jjaysen@rtirguests.com

15. ==> We Need More Super Grandparents

Who doesn’t appreciate grandparents, whether our own, our children’s, a friend’s or even a stranger’s? Some of those grandparents may even be “super grandparents.” Find out what that means by interviewing Dr. Oliver Akamnonu who can answer questions like: How do super grandparents teach and guide? What sacrifices do super grandparents make? And, if appropriate, could you be a super grandparent? Dr. Akamnonu will discuss why he and his wife left high-powered careers to help their daughter and new grandchild, and why today’s grandparents often go beyond offering financial support, childcare and parental advice to make a difference in their family’s lives. The Akamnonus authored “Little Baby Lydia, Grandma, Grandpa and Student Mom: Saga of Family Role Reversal and the New Times.” Contact Oliver Akamnonu at (413) 206-6753; oakamnonu@rtirguests.com

09/03/20 RTIR Newsletter: Labor Day, COVID Rule-breakers, Quick Cash

September 3, 2020

01. Labor Day: Tipping Point for Restaurant Workers?
02. Trump’s Rhetoric is Inciting Violence
03. When You Live or Work with a COVID Rule-breaker
04. It’s Emmy Time: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball
05. Back to School: Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents
06. Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More
07. Remote Working is Here to Stay: Hone Your WFH Skills
08. Quick Ways to Make Extra Cash
09. Can America’s Broken Higher Education System be Fixed?
10. How to Have a ‘Champagne Wedding’ on a ‘Beer Budget’
11. Where Boomers Want to Live Now
12. Want to Stop Attracting Losers?
13. How to Reduce Stress and be More Productive
14. ‘What I Learned from Living through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’
15. What Really Happens When We Die?

1. ==> Labor Day: Tipping Point for Restaurant Workers?

Labor Day is Monday and many restaurant workers are increasing their organizing and their demands for ending the tipped minimum wage. Last year, the House passed a bill doing just that, but the Senate refused to consider it. Invite director Abby Ginzberg to discuss her new documentary “Waging Change” about the restaurant industry. She says, “In honor of Labor Day, we are doing a national free virtual screening of ‘Waging Change,’ which reveals a disaster hiding in plain sight — that restaurant workers in 17 states make only $2.13 an hour and have to get to minimum wage by relying on their tips. Only seven states require that workers be paid the full minimum wage plus tips. With the pandemic, the situation for tipped workers has gone from bad to horrendous as many do not qualify for unemployment due to their low wages.” Abby Ginzberg is a Peabody award-winning director, producing documentaries about race and social justice for over 30 years. She is making segments of the film available to news outlets. Contact her at abbyginzberg@gmail.com, @wagingchange

2. ==> Trump’s Rhetoric is Inciting Violence

Trying to make sense of the violence in the streets? Political communication expert Helio Fred Garcia says it was anticipated and predicted because President Trump is following a playbook. Garcia will discuss the communication strategies leaders use to condition people to accept, condone, and commit violence and Trump’s pattern of getting desperate before an election and ratcheting up his rhetoric. “He demonizes groups and rivals. He glorifies white supremacists. And he invents an existential threat that requires an armed response. He did so before the 2016 election; he did so before the 2018 mid-term, with fatal consequences. And he’s doing it now,” Garcia says. What can be done? Garcia will share techniques that citizens, journalists, and civic leaders can use to confront the incendiary rhetoric. Helio Fred Garcia teaches crisis management and communications, communication strategy and ethics at NYU and Columbia University. He is the author of “Words on Fire: The Power of Incendiary Language and How to Confront It.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

3. ==> When You Live or Work with a COVID Rule-breaker

It’s one thing to confront a stranger passing you in the street or in a store but, what do you do when your BFF, partner, or boss is not following COVID guidelines? Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and public health expert, says you should examine your own feelings about masks and social distancing before confronting anyone else. Then, she says, you can adjust your feelings about others who don’t share your beliefs. “People who break the rules during COVID have different reasons for their choice. Some break the rules for political reasons, some because they don’t like wearing a mask or are tired of keeping social distancing. Some people are confused or annoyed by the contradictory advice we’ve been getting, and some are simply feeling rebellious and want to take control of their life.” She’ll share tips for discussing the issue with friends and family. When it comes to bosses, Dr. Lieberman says to try to separate what they want to do themselves from what they want you to do or not do. For coworkers she suggests letting them choose what they want to do, without impinging on your choices. And when it comes to someone flouting COVID rules in the supermarket, Dr. Lieberman says just walk away. Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H. is a board-certified psychiatrist, forensic psychiatrist/expert witness and author. She has appeared on “Oprah,” the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” CNN, “Fox News” and many other media outlets and hosts her own radio show/podcast. Contact Ryan McCormick at (516) 901-1103; (919) 377-1200 or ryan@goldmanmccormick.com

4. ==> It’s Emmy Time: Do a Show on TV Legend Lucille Ball

It won’t be at the glamourous Hollywood event we’re used to, but this year’s Emmy Awards will be handed out later this month in some virtual or other form (details are still being worked out). In anticipation of TV’s big award night, celebrate the life and career of Lucille Ball, who for years was the most Emmy-garlanded woman, winning six and being nominated (if you count lifetime awards) a whopping 15 times! Her last Emmy award was given posthumously in 1989. Darin Strauss, author of “The Queen of Tuesday: A Lucille Ball Story,” will share fascinating facts about Lucy and how she transformed the TV industry and became the world’s first female media mogul — all while suspected of being a communist and navigating the public outcry over her interracial marriage to Cuban co-star Desi Arnaz. Strauss is the author of several books. His latest, “The Queen of Tuesday,” is a blend of history, fiction and memoir that imagines his grandfather having an affair with Lucille Ball — whom his grandfather actually did meet at a ceremony held by Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, in 1966. Contact Lissa Warren at (617) 233-2853; LissaWarrenPR@gmail.com

5. ==> Back to School: Simple Tools for Stressed-Out Parents

Parenting is never easy, but families have been stuck together for months now and things have gone a little haywire in many homes. September usually brings relief with kids going back to school, but this year many students are sitting at the kitchen table instead of a desk in a classroom. How can we keep on keeping on without completely losing it? Families will welcome the creative suggestions of educator Laurie Marshall, suggestions that will help everyone get along better and safely blow off stress. She’ll share why parents and kids should put paper bags over their heads to convey emotions such as anger and silliness, why families should make a practice of singing and dancing together, and how taking three deep breaths when they feel out of control can center parents and interrupt impulsive behavior that can lead to harming family members. Marshall is a bullying prevention expert and the author of multiple books. She has trained over 6,000 teachers in project-based learning and facilitated 125 bully-prevention, nature-based murals with over 25,000 people in schools, nonprofits, and government agencies (NASA, FEMA, U.S. Botanical Gardens). Contact Laurie at (415) 360-3304; lmarshall@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Tax Resolution Expert Shares COVID Tax Advice and More

Even before the pandemic, there were more than 14 million taxpayers in the collection division of the Internal Revenue Service. Now with COVID-19 affecting just about every taxpayer, both personal and business, there are likely to be many more Americans facing the wrath of the IRS. David Bradley, a CPA specializing in IRS tax resolution, says the IRS is the most brutal collection agency in the world so it’s important to know your rights. Bradley will explain the rules the IRS must abide by when conducting an audit or inquiry, share tips for interacting with IRS agents, and answer questions on everything from personal tax issues to small business ones. David Bradley, CPA, has represented hundreds of clients with the IRS negotiating offers for discounted settlement, audit defense, abatement of penalties, filing multi-year delinquent returns, removal of wage garnishments, bank levy’s, payroll tax problems, and release of tax liens. Contact him at (214) 710-1255; dcb@cpafirmdallas.com

7. ==> Remote Working Is Here to Stay: Hone Your WFH Skills

Going back to work in an office is scary — and in most cases unnecessary. Work from home — or really work from anywhere — is here to stay for a huge number of former cubicle inhabitants. Companies have realized there’s no need to spend an average of $18,200 to house a worker in a corporate office anymore. For workers, the genie is out of the bottle and they have finally adjusted to remote work and are loving it — or will when they can start living a social life after work! Invite Diane Huth, the Accidental Career Coach, to discuss the post-pandemic workplace, what types of jobs can be done remotely, and how workers can hone their skills and communication practices to participate fully in remote work — so they can enjoy being untethered from the corporate office forever. Diane Huth is the author of two best-selling career guides and the creator of the Secrets to Land Your Dream Job online masterclass. Contact her at (210) 601-7852; DianeHuth@DianeHuth.com

8. ==> Quick Ways to Make Extra Cash

Many of your listeners have lost jobs — or taken salary and hours cuts — in recent months. With so many people unemployed and bills mounting up, there’s a lot of folks out there who want to know how they can make some extra money now. Patricia Davis, author of “Going Broke Is No Joke,” can provide some fresh ideas. She’ll talk about ways to bring in extra bucks by doing things like selling your cellphone images, agreeing to test websites and products, and selling your opinions to focus groups. Patricia will also caution your audience about scammers and share ways to spot bogus job opportunities. She’ll also offer tips on what household goods can be sold for needed cash without being missed. An experienced talk show guest, Patricia Davis holds an MBA from Stanford, a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Golden Gate University and a certificate from Georgetown University’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking and Finance. Contact her at (301) 517-6304; pdavis@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Can America’s Broken Higher Education System be Fixed?

As the pandemic continues to impact all facets of American life it’s a great time to talk about the failures of the U.S.’s higher education system and how they might be fixed. This issue is much larger than the much talked about one of whether institutions of higher learning should offer classes online or in-person and former college professor Glen Dunzweiler wants to have that discussion now. Glen says, “This virus is an opportunity for instructors and students to redefine what school is and how learning is achieved. I hope that our harsh realities on health complications and the sale of incomplete products (online classes) will inspire more to forge a thoughtful path but unfortunately, the reluctance for change, and the need for institutions to continue to make income will make the school experience limp along as people try to regain the glory of the university mythos.” Glen will explain why a traditional college education does not lead to a secure future for most students, why trade schools and work experience can be a better option and ways students can monetize their skills once they graduate. Glen is a former college professor, a documentarian, and the author of two books. His latest is “A Degree In Homelessness? Entrepreneurial Skills For Students.” Contact Glen at (702) 703-2219; GDunzweiler@rtirguests.com

10. ==> How to Have a ‘Champagne Wedding’ on a ‘Beer Budget’

With peer pressure placing undue emphasis on wedding spending and the desire to have all the beautiful elements celebrity weddings show, it can be difficult to imagine having a beautiful wedding on a beer budget. Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels, luxury wedding planners with over 20 years of experience, will share their planning secrets on how to “drink champagne while paying for beer” at their weddings and feel good about it. This DIY wedding dream team will give specific tips for stretching wedding dollars.
Learn the right way to ask for discounts, what’s worth spending money on and what’s not, and so much more. Luxury Planners Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels create unforgettable weddings in the U.S. and worldwide for celebrity and luxury clients. Goldberg and Samuels saw a need to help the DIY client and have a new, affordable course called “Plan to I Do.” They have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Brides Magazine, the Washington Post, Martha Stewart, and Modern Luxury Bride. Contact: Lynne Goldberg, (561) 212 -6024; or Aviva Samuels, (561) 213-5501; info@plantoido.com

11. ==> Where Boomers Want to Live Now

Before the coronavirus hit, baby boomers were selling their homes in the suburbs and flocking to the city to enjoy urban life. But after months of shutdowns and quarantines, many are rethinking city living. Invite Rita Wilkins, the Downsizing Designer, to discuss where boomers are heading and what the pandemic has taught us about home design now and for the future. “COVID has caused a radical shift in the way we live, work, play and communicate in our homes. Architects and builders are now rethinking everything about home design!” says Wilkins. She’ll explain how COVID unmasked glaring design flaws in current homes and share five innovative ways designers are responding to our changing needs like incorporating clever, functional work-from-home solutions. Rita Wilkins has designed interiors throughout the country including corporate penthouses and C-suites, Supreme Court justice chambers and thousands of residential interiors. She’s been featured on WHYY, Sirius-XM and in USA Today, Delaware Today, Mainline Today and more. “Downsize Your Life: Upgrade Your Lifestyle” is her first book. Contact her at (302) 354-0972; rwilkins@designservicesltd.com

12. ==> Want to Stop Attracting Losers?

Are you tired of always being in relationships with people who are bad for you? Invite Arnoux Goran, author, speaker, and the world’s No. 1 expert on personal transformation, to reveal how you can stop attracting losers. He’ll share the real reason why we’re attracted to people who aren’t good for us and why, no matter how often we promise ourselves we’ll choose someone better next time, we end up with a loser again. Goran has the solution to stop being a “loser magnet” and to break the cycle forever so you can find your perfect match. His upcoming book, “The Answer: How to Change Your Life and Make Your Dreams Come True,” reveals how to release negative emotions permanently and truly change your life by addressing the cause of repeating patterns. Goran has been featured on radio and television nationwide. Contact him at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com

13. ==> How to Reduce Stress and be More Productive

Today our lives are overrun by stress. Stress affects our personal relationships and work lives. It negatively impacts us. Invite stress reduction and meditation expert Adam Weber to share his meditation method for relaxing and calming your mind anywhere, at any time of the day, even at work. He says that in only three to five minutes you can decompress and build a meditation practice that fits into your busy schedule. Weber is the author of “From Stress to Profit: How Meditation Helps the Corporate Warrior Survive, Thrive, and Profit in Our Stress-Filled World” and the upcoming book “I Will Teach You to Meditate,” which reveals simple ways to start meditating. He is also the creator of the highly acclaimed online training program Easy to Meditate. He’ll answer all your meditation questions including Is it hard to start meditating? Can you really relax your mind in a stressful place? Contact Adam Weber at (917) 779-8177; aweber@rtirguests.com

14. ==> ‘What I Learned from Living Through a Parent’s Worst Nightmare’

No one wants to go through what Meghan Smith Brooks did. She not only lost her younger son, Justin, but had to cope with the knowledge that the 29-year-old father was murdered and experience the slowly moving justice system. Yet however horrible Meghan’s experience was, the ordained Unity Minister, licensed spiritual educator and certified grief coach has gained insights she wants to share with others who have lost loved ones to the pandemic and for other reasons. She is the author of the new book “Unraveling Grief: A Mother’s Spiritual Journey of Healing and Discovery.” Ask her: Why isn’t grief something to get over? Why must you feel to heal? Does it ever go away? Contact Rev. Meghan Smith Brooks at (816) 844-6783; mbrooks@rtirguests.com

15. ==> What Really Happens When We Die?

With so many people mourning COVID-19 victims, many wonder if we go to an afterlife after we take our last breath. While growing up in a Midwestern funeral home where her dad was an undertaker, Margo Lenmark learned the truth. “People send messages in death that are very clear,” she says. “Death is not the end. I have gotten messages from dead people that have helped me to live a better life.” She shares her fascinating experiences and insights in her book “Light in the Mourning: Memoirs of an Undertaker’s Daughter.” The book has received glowing reviews from prominent authors and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra. Contact Margo at (828) 260-0873; MLenmark@rtirguests.com

09/01//20 RTIR Newsletter: A Way Out for Republicans, Sin City Stories, Charlotte Rae’s Son

September 1, 2020

01. Best-selling Author Offers a Way Out for Republicans
02. Kenosha is No Stranger to Racist Policing
03. Journalist on Politics, Activism and Sports
04. What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There
05. Former Stuntman Takes Listeners Behind the Scenes
06. Veteran Educator (and Charlotte Rae’s Son) on Back-to-School
07. Time to Switch Careers? 3 Questions to Ask
08. How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop
09. Why Wildfires are So Devastating
10. Does Mother Nature Have It in for Us?
11. Miraculous Things to Come out of the Pandemic
12. What He Learned from 100 First Dates in One Year
13. Social Isolation is Turning Us into Addicts!
14. Make Positive Changes and Choices During Negative Times
15. Comedian: Flip-Flops as a Metaphor for Life

1. ==> Best-selling Author Offers a Way Out for Republicans

Author Don Winslow has a suggestion for Republicans who are uncomfortable with President Donald Trump but don’t want to admit that they’re voting for former Vice President Joe Biden. Just don’t tell anyone. Winslow’s new video, “An Open Letter To Republicans,” calls out party members who continue to support the president in spite of the scandals, lies and botched response to the coronavirus pandemic. “How many times does a person have to lie to you before you stop listening to them?” the video asks. Then, Winslow offers a way out. “On Nov. 3, you could end the chaos,” the video suggests. “You can tell your friends and family that you voted for Trump even when you voted for Joe Biden. No one will ever know.” Winslow, a former private investigator and the author of multiple best-selling crime novels, has been a persistent Trump critic these past four years. After the 2019 release of his novel, “The Border,” he challenged Trump to a debate on the border wall. Trump did not respond. In more recent months, Winslow has stepped up his criticism with a series of videos aimed at helping to undermine Trump’s reelection efforts. Contact Don Winslow at @donwinslow or Shane Salerno at shanesalerno@yahoo.com

2. ==> Kenosha is No Stranger to Racist Policing

President Trump is scheduled to go to Kenosha, Wisconsin, today even though Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers urged him to reconsider. The city is grappling with racial unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Dennis Bernstein, executive producer and host of the investigative radio newsmagazine “Flashpoints,” says racism has long been a problem in the city. Bernstein can discuss Sheriff David Beth’s previous racist comments that called for the construction of “warehouses” to lock up “trash” people for life sentences for minor crimes like shoplifting. The American Civil Liberties Union has called for the immediate resignation of Beth and Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis, citing what they characterized as a “failed response” to Blake’s shooting and the expanding protests, including the alleged double murder by 17-year-old vigilante Kyle Rittenhouse. According to a press release from the ACLU, Sheriff Beth and his deputies “not only fraternized with the white supremacist counter-protesters on Tuesday but allowed the shooter to leave as people yelled that he was the shooter.” Dennis Bernstein is the recipient of a 2015 Pillar Award for his work as a journalist whistleblower. His latest book is “Special Ed: Voices from a Hidden Classroom.” He recently wrote the piece “Don’t Expect Justice for Black People in Kenosha if Sheriff Beth Has His Way.” Contact him at dennisjbernstein@gmail.com; @burn_stick

3. ==> Journalist on Politics, Activism and Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks shook the NBA when they refused to participate in a playoff game in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The walkout rippled throughout the NBA — several other games were canceled in solidarity — and ultimately across the sports world. While some say sports and entertainment figures should stay out of politics, Nita Wiggins says athletics and activism often go hand-in-hand. Invite the former sports and news journalist on your show to discuss the role of politics, activism and sports. For 21 years, Wiggins interviewed many athletes including high-profile superstars like Michael Jordan and Mohammed Ali, often focusing on athletes’ personal stories. She says many athletes come from the same types of communities as today’s victims of police brutality. Also ask her about, #GoodCopsOnlyAtGame, a campaign that urges athletes to insist through their union that only officers with no abuse accusations or convictions can work at their games. Nita Wiggins currently teaches journalism in Paris, France, and is the author of “Civil Rights Baby: My Story of Race, Sports, and Breaking Barriers in American Journalism.” Contact Nita Wiggins at NWiggins@rtirguests.com

4. ==> What Happens in Vegas … No Longer Stays There

Las Vegas has earned its reputation as Sin City. And back in the early 1980s when Mark Rusin was a young police officer there, his job brought him face-to-face with some crazy situations which he’ll detail on your show. Ask him about the role his uniformed partner played in a bar’s wet T-shirt contest, about the time a john showed him what $70,000 in cash looked like, and about the “small” detail he missed while interviewing a stabbing victim. On a more serious note, he can also share the police call that has haunted him every day since he was called to the MGM Grand Hotel on Nov. 21, 1980. Rusin is a former ATF special agent who knows what “really” happened at Waco and has met several U.S. presidents while protecting them. Rusin has also been a consultant to CSI and other shows. He is the author of the upcoming book “METRO: Sin City Chronicles” and an earlier novel, “Justice For Dallas,” which was based on real events. Contact Mark Rusin at (520) 205-1113; msrusin@comcast.net

5. ==> Former Stuntman Takes Listeners Behind the Scenes

Steve McChesney knows what it was like to put his life on the line for the sake of entertainment. As a Hollywood stuntman, actor, or extra he appeared in more than 350 TV shows and movies, Part of that time, Steve earned money by falling off of high places, being knocked off of walls, performing stunts in automobiles and other things designed to make the audience’s hearts race. To the delight of baby boomers and others who love classic TV and movies, he can talk about the work he did on “Star Trek 6,” the last movie with the show’s original cast, “Starsky and Hutch,” “Battlestar Galactica”, “Wonder Woman” and more, and why professional stunt people are the safest people to hang around with. Now a marketing expert, Steve McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC, and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How You Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact Steve McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

6. ==> Veteran Educator (and Charlotte Rae’s Son) on Back-to-School

Considering his mother, Charlotte Rae, was arguably the quintessential TV educator as Mrs. Garrett on the hit series “The Facts Of Life,” it seems fitting that Larry Strauss pursued education as his career. The 30-year veteran inner-city high school teacher has worked with at-risk teens and first-generation college-bound students from distressed communities. An education writer and columnist, Larry can discuss the current debate about reopening schools, what type of distance learning works and what doesn’t, and what is happening with our most at-risk students during this time. Larry Strauss is a columnist for USA Today and has written for the Huffington Post and The Guardian. He is the author of more than a dozen books including “Students First and Other Lies.” Contact Harlan Boll at hboll@rtirguests.com

7. ==> Time to Switch Careers? 3 Questions to Ask

With millions of Americans out of work and others in professions that no longer serve them, your listeners will appreciate the advice of Geraldine Hogan. Hogan has helped thousands of educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new challenges and can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. Learn three simple, life-changing questions to ask before making any career move, whether salary should guide your decision, and how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown. Geraldine, a former educator, attorney and judge, can talk about her own career journey as well. She’s the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change.” Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869; ghogan@rtirguests.com

8. == > How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop

Because of the pandemic, the bottom has fallen out of many businesses, affecting not only their owners but also the employees who work for them who have been furloughed or had their hours cut. What are some specific things small businesses can do to recover? Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY) has answers culled from his experience bringing his personal training company back from a 70% drop in revenue that resulted from the 2008 recession. Invite Rami on your show to hear about the big risk he took that started his company’s return to healthy profitability and the importance of seeking help when you need it. The lessons Rami learned along the way are valuable to every business owner whether on the way up, the way down, plateaued, or trying to build a saleable business. Rami is an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter with dual master’s degrees in industrial psychology and exercise physiology. Rami is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

9. ==> Why Wildfires Are So Devastating

Western states have seen an increase in large fires in recent years, sometimes with devastating losses of human life and massive economic damages. With dozens of blazes underway across western states, it’s time to invite wildfire expert James Moseley on your show to discuss the way we battle these wildfires and why they cause such widespread damage. Moseley can share what factors lead to wildfires and whether climate change is entirely to blame. You’ll learn why we may see new wildfire dangers in many states as well as how we can better protect firefighters and save lives. Moseley is the CEO of Sun FireDefense, a company that offers advanced fire defense and home wildfire protection products. Contact James Moseley at (818) 486-4662; jmoseley@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Does Mother Nature Have It in for Us?

Pandemic. Wildfire. Tornado. Earthquake. Hurricane. Tsunami. When it comes to inspiring fear, Mother Nature can sure dish it out. No one knows that better than Sana Brauner, who nearly died in a tsunami that came out of nowhere, claiming her mother and young daughter. In the 16 years since then, Sana has learned a lot about facing sudden, unexpected events and the fear they engender and can share lessons we need as we face the continued disruption of our lives from COVID-19. She can inspire audience members to see the future and create the life they need to get there. She is the author of “The Borrowed Daughter.” Contact Sana Brauner at s.brauner@ihr-einkauf.at Skype: sanabr

11. ==> Miraculous Things to Come out of the Pandemic

Despite the misery COVID-19 times have wrought, we need to keep in mind that they have also been responsible for some positive even miraculous things. Let Susan Shumsky brighten your listeners’ days as she shares the good things that occurred that we never would have imagined. New-found respect for teachers and the role they play in shaping young lives, an enhanced appreciation for the elderly whose absence from our lives is palpable, and a worldwide burst in creative expression are just some of what Susan will talk about. She’ll also touch on why the pandemic is forcing us to be more introverted (and that’s good) and to re-evaluate our priorities and why she says the world is now operating on a higher vibrational level. Susan Shumsky has 17 books in print and has proven to be an enthralling guest during more than 1,200 media appearances. Contact Susan Shumsky at (917) 336-7184; SShumsky@rtirguests.com

12. ==> What He Learned from 100 First Dates in One Year

Every time you go on a date you learn something but imagine how much you could learn if you went on 100 first dates in just one year! That’s what author, speaker, and personal transformation expert Arnoux Goran did in his quest to learn what women really want and what makes relationships work. He can reveal what he discovered and the techniques to help you find your perfect match. Invite him to share what red flags to look for on a first date, what really impresses women, and how you can make sure you get a second date. Goran has developed a method to reprogram yourself that was studied by the University of California, Irvine, and proven to be 100% effective. His latest program is HowToAttractYourSoulmate.com. Goran has been featured on radio and television nationwide. Contact him at (878) 203-8231; AGoran@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Social Isolation is Turning Us into Addicts!

Recent studies have indicated an alarming trend of dramatically increased alcohol and drug consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Addiction is a disease of isolation, which COVID-19 is only making worse,” says addiction treatment specialist and author Isaac Alexis, M.D. “Mental illness and substance abuse, which occur simultaneously, are worsening with social distancing.” Dr. Isaac can share how to avoid the pitfalls of addiction during these alarmingly stressful times. He completed an internship in trauma surgery at Cornell University at New York Hospital of Queens and served as medical director at the Department of Justice, among other distinguished roles. He is the author of “Life and Death behind the Brick and Razor-Code Red Diamond” and the upcoming “The Seductive Pink Crystal.” Contact Dr. Isaac Alexis at (315) 935-6348; IAlexis@rtirguests.com

14. ==> Make Positive Changes and Choices During Negative Times

Remember when you used to dread rush-hour traffic, thought how sweet it would be to stay home instead of going to work, or dreamed about taking a sick day? Times have changed. Now many of us wish we didn’t have to stay at home and long to have more choices. But, as former radio host and award-winning author Rico Racosky will tell you, we all have the power to change our life stories and form new habits even during the most trying times. Known as the New Story Guy, Rico can share his “Just 2 Choices” concept with your listeners. In addition to his work in radio, this upbeat guest is a keynote speaker and thought leader on overcoming personal and work-related obstacles. Ask about his free downloads for clear thinking. Contact Rico at (730) 572-1322; rracosky@rtirguests

15. ==> Comedian: Flip-Flops as a Metaphor for Life

Aside from being fun to wear, flip-flops can also help define us, and enable us to live our best lives. So says former Miss America contestant, author and humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong. “Since life has flipped on us, we need to survive with humor, productivity and occupying our minds in healthy ways,” she says. “It’s okay to laugh!” Jane can reveal how to put rhinestones on your flip-flops, literally and metaphorically, in order to shine. She is the award-winning author of four books including “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops,” and has recorded music CDs and personal growth and comedy DVDs. As a humorist, her comedy is featured on Sirius XM 97. Contact Jane at (803) 599-2941; JHerlong@rtirguests.com

08/27/20 RTIR Newsletter: Spotting Propaganda, Fun Science, We’ve Got Wine!

August 27, 2020

01. How Engaging Are Virtual Political Conventions?
02. Snowflake, Nazi, Racist: Why We Label and Why it Matters
03. Can You Spot Propaganda?
04. How to Infuse Small Weddings with Big Memories
05. 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII
06. The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing: Love
07. Considering a Career Switch? 5 Tips
08. Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?
09. Recover Faster: 5 Ways to Outsmart Pain
10. Fun Science: What You Don’t Know about Your Brain and Health
11. How to Have Unstoppable Confidence … Even on Monday Mornings
12. Finding Happiness in the Time of Coronavirus
13. Science + Spirituality = More Abundance in Your Life
14. He Saved His Wife from Stage 4 Cancer
15. Cheers! At Least We’ve Still Got Wine!

1. ==> How Engaging Are Virtual Political Conventions?

Americans are stuck at home thanks to the coronavirus, but are they watching the political conventions? According to Nielsen, numbers for last week’s Democratic convention were down 17% from 2016, and Republicans are getting even fewer numbers so far this week. Discuss the virtual conventions with marketing professional Steve McChesney, a veteran of more than 350 TV shows and movies. He’ll talk about what makes for successful audience engagement and ways to compensate for speakers who can’t play off a live audience. And, for good measure, he’ll discuss why this is likely to be the last time two baby boomer candidates face off and ways campaigns are likely to change when the politicians are millennials or Gen Zers. McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How To Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

2. ==> From ‘Snowflake’ to ‘Nazi’ and ‘Racist’: Why We Label and Why it Matters

The truth seems to be in short supply these days. But is it? “Most people accuse whoever is on the opposite side of a political debate with lying or dishonesty when an honest evaluation of the situation is that they disagree with their opinion about something,” says author and leadership expert Steven Mays. Mays can talk about why we toss around labels like “racist,” “tyrant,” “Nazi” and “Snowflake,” as a way of disavowing other people’s experiences and opinions and why poor leadership leads to catastrophic unintended consequences like riots and pandemics. Mays is the author of “Power of 3 Leadership, Lessons in Leadership.” A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis who served on nuclear submarines, he was a mathematician, electrical engineer, and nuclear engineer who worked in private industry and at the Nuclear Regulation Commission. Contact him at (703) 552-5672; smays@rtirguests.com

3. ==> Can You Spot Propaganda?

We’re all influenced by propaganda every day, especially in an election year. Learning to recognize techniques people use to influence your opinions and actions can help you evaluate the flood of information you get each day. Layman “Buzz” Allen will explain how learning to identify propaganda is as easy as playing an online game (the aptly named The Propaganda Game) and explain why propaganda can be a good thing. “The fascinating thing is that propaganda is used by all sides in most controversial issues. Our role in pointing out the actual mechanics is neutral as far as ideology is concerned. We are seeking to raise the level of discourse and appreciation for everyone involved,” Buzz says. Used in schools, The Propaganda Game was co-invented by Buzz’s late uncle, Robert W. Allen, and Bonanza actor Lorne Greene in the 1960s. Ask him: What are some of the 50 techniques explored in the game and which could help us in an election year? How did propaganda get a bad reputation during the Cold War? Why does he take a neutral attitude toward propaganda? What would people be surprised to know about Lorne Greene and comedian Leslie Nielsen? Contact Michael Clever at (515) 412-0419; MClever@rtirguests.com or lallen@rtirguests.com

4. ==> How to Infuse Small Weddings with Big Memories

Small weddings are in … by necessity. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be wonderful. Media favorite wedding planners Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels have tons of tips on making wedding celebrations stand out for years to come. With smaller guest lists, they’ll say, couples can add more personalized touches such as monogrammed napkins and end of the night gifts chosen and personalized for each guest. In addition, with a small wedding, food and wine pairings for each course can be served and detailed by the chef himself. Unique and personalized entertainment is also on the rise. They’ll note that some couples are going with a custom song medley that highlights key moments in their history. Luxury Planners Lynne Goldberg and Aviva Samuels have over 20 years’ experience creating unforgettable weddings in the U.S. and worldwide for celebrity and luxury clients. Goldberg and Samuels saw a need to help the DIY client and have a new, affordable course called “Plan to I Do.” They have been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Brides Magazine, the Washington Post, Martha Stewart, and Modern Luxury Bride. Contact: Lynne Goldberg, (561) 212 -6024; or Aviva Samuels, (561) 213-5501; info@plantoido.com

5. ==> 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII

Over 16 million Americans served in World War II, but there are less than half a million left — and we are losing hundreds every day. Historian Samuel Kleiner, the grandson of a B-25 navigator, spent years talking to the last survivors of the “Flying Tigers” and tracking down long-lost materials. As the United States marks the 75th anniversary of World War II on September 2, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning on racial justice, invite Kleiner to speak about the legacy of World War II, its meaning today, and what we can learn from the Greatest Generation in addressing these crises today. Samuel Kleiner is the author of “The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan.” Contact Johanna Ramos-Boyer at (703) 991-8328; jboyer@rtirguests.com

6. ==> The Secret Most Leaders Are Missing: Love

If leadership coach and expert Tim Winders had only one message to share right now — and he has many — it would be that businesses and organizations need to inject more love in their day-to-day operations to reduce racism, sexism, divisiveness, turnover, and productivity problems. Invite Winders, who has over 25 years’ experience as a coach for business owners, executives, and leaders, to share ways employers can utilize kindness and skillful communication to motivate employees to do better and increase the bottom line. Encouraging individuals and corporations to act out of love is one of the themes of Winders’ debut novel, “A Time To Act,” which tells the story of Cooper Travis, an executive who contemplates ending his life after personal failures and business problems that could potentially send him to jail; as the story unfolds, the executive learns three acts to gain clarity that can be useful and bring peace to anyone. Especially in the chaotic world that we live in today. Winders, who along with his wife, lives and works in a large RV while traveling around the country, survived several business failures before finding a better path in life. He hosts the “SeekGoCreate” podcast. Contact him at (404) 846-4639; twinders@rtirguests.com. Ask about last-minute availability

7. ==> Considering a Career Switch? 5 Tips

With millions of Americans out of work and others in professions that no longer serve them, your listeners will appreciate the advice of Geraldine Hogan. Hogan has helped thousands of educators, business professionals and entrepreneurs explore new challenges and can offer tips for anyone who wants to apply their skills in a new direction. Learn three simple, life-changing questions to ask before making any career move, whether salary should guide your decision, and how to overcome obstacles, hesitation and fear of the unknown. Geraldine, a former educator, attorney and judge, can talk about her own career journey as well. She’s the author of “Career Moves for Teachers and Other Professionals: Strategies for a Successful Job Change.” Contact Geraldine Hogan at (305) 902-3869; ghogan@rtirguests.com

8. ==> Is It Time to Sell Your Life Insurance Policy?

Did you know that because of COVID-19 many life insurance carriers have been forced to dramatically raise their costs while lowering benefits? This affects everyone’s life insurance policies and makes one thing certain — every policy needs a review. “Life settlements, a way to sell an existing policy, are a smart financial option for many,” says David Kottler, the Life Insurance Doctor™. “Life settlements are something to be aware of, as 90% of policies lapse before maturity, which is a huge loss to consumers!” David can explain what you need to ask to figure out what your policy is worth. David is the author of “The Best-Kept Secret in Your Insurance Policy.” Contact David Kottler at (216) 532-1221; DKottler@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Recover Faster: 5 Ways to Outsmart Pain

Who wouldn’t want to learn how to put suffering on hold? Trevor Campbell, M.D., says, “When you understand what pain is, you can work around it.” Let Dr. Campbell tell you things about pain management that most doctors don’t even know because the topic isn’t covered well in medical school! You’ll learn why you shouldn’t fight pain, that what hurts isn’t necessarily harmful, and ways our thoughts can be our greatest handicap. Dr. Campbell is a family physician whose practice focuses on pain management. He graduated from the University of Cape Town and has a delightful South African accent. He has worked in multidisciplinary pain management and opioids reduction programs and has served as s medical director for a leading pain management provider in Western Canada. His new book, hailed as a great read by Inc. Magazine, is “The Language of Pain: Fast Forward Your Recovery to Stop Hurting.” Contact him at (250) 217-7832; tcampbell@rtirguests.com

10. ==> Fun Science: What You Don’t Know about Your Brain and Health

For a fascinating show, interview Dr. Annalee Kitay about the role your brain plays in keeping you healthy; comparing the brain to a generator, she’ll explain how we are all electrical beings who sometimes need to have our circuits reopened or unscrambled to reorganize our nervous system. Dr. Kitay is one of the top practitioners of The Neural Organization Technique in the U.S. and teaches the hands-on technique to other doctors; her own health has been greatly improved by using the technique that can treat low-back pain, concussions, strokes, allergies and more. Dr. Kitay did a radio show with the late Dr. (Robert) Atkins. Ask her: How does the technique work? Why did you volunteer to try it yourself years ago? Can you share some success stories? Contact Dr. Kitay at (561) 462-4733; akitay@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How to Have Unstoppable Confidence … Even on Monday Mornings

What is it about Monday mornings that makes going back to work so hard? So anxiety-producing? Is it you? Or is it the job? Interview Jean-Paul Gravel, founder of ThroughConversation Personal Development, Inc., and Mondays will never feel the same! He will share three simple steps to raise your confidence, conviction, and persuasiveness – important tools both at work and at home. Let Jean-Paul show your listeners how to instantly raise their inner “value,” that intangible something that makes them stand out and others take notice. With a success rate of over 98%, Gravel has spent 15 years showing people from all walks of life – including high achievers, entrepreneurs and pro athletes — how to unlock their deep-seated power and potential to experience extraordinary results in business and life. Contact Olga Kniazeva at (604) 265-7469; JGravel@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Finding Happiness in the Time of Coronavirus

It’s hard to remember a time when life was as hard as it is now for so many people. And being happy may seem to be taking a backseat to keeping your head above water. But happiness and mental health coach Elana Davidson says you can start your journey to happiness now, even if you have tried hard and failed at it before. That pretty much describes Elana’s own journey despite decades of exploration and study in the fields of consciousness, psychology, personal development and kinesiology. For anyone who has wondered why other people are happier than they are or what is wrong with them, Elana may be the perfect balm. She’s the author of the eBook, “Finding Your Own Happy: The Soul-Searchers Guide to Peace and Happiness in Everyday Life,” published by Morgan James, which she’ll make available to your audience for free. Contact Elana at (413) 225-4758; elanadavidson@rtirguests.com

13. ==> Combine Science and Spirituality to Bring More Abundance into Your Life

According to author and scientist David. L. Peters, “Abundance is not more money or things. Abundance is a life of joy and happiness, under all conditions that life sends you, the good or the not-so-good.” David has spent 80 years living a joyful and abundant life, immersed in science and spirituality where he has found that one supports the other. “The pathway of the 12 steps leads to joy and happiness even under devastating conditions.” At 84, he has achieved prominence in his career as an engineer, holds 18 patents, raised seven great kids and has enjoyed a loving marriage of 57 years. He is the author of “The 12 Steps to Joy and Happiness: Finding the Kingdom of God that Lies Within.” Contact David at (607) 304-3329; DPeters@rtirguests.com

14. ==> He Saved His Wife from Stage 4 Cancer

When Anthony Randle’s wife, Jessica, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, the prognosis was grim. But Anthony and Jessica refused to give up hope. After conducting exhaustive research and devising simple yet powerful treatment plans, Jessica sailed through chemo and is now cancer-free. “After every treatment, I wanted her to relax,” Anthony says. “But she would have so much energy that we would go to play tennis. The ball would rush past me!” Anthony shares his poignant experiences in his acclaimed book “The True Story of a Husband, A Best Friend and Care Giver: The Struggle Within.” Contact Anthony at (702) 745-8349; ARandle@rtirguests.com

15. ==> Cheers! At Least We’ve Still got Wine!

Your favorite restaurant or bar may not be open, but you can still enjoy wine at home! And many would say we need wine more than ever right now! Don’t know the difference between a Pinot Grigio and a Petite Syrah? Did your last wine come in a box? No matter your level of wine knowledge, you’ll enjoy talking with Andy Hyman. A tour guide in the Napa and Sonoma wine country, he shares his passion for wine with thousands of people from around the world and will reveal all you need to know about buying wine including how much to spend, how to get the most for your money, and how to find a wine that you’ll really enjoy. He can discuss how to get the most out of a wine-tasting experience (whether in person or virtual), how wine is made, and general knowledge about wine. Hyman has been featured by Sonoma Magazine, the Marin Independent Journal, Napa Valley Register, North Bay BIZ magazine, and other radio and print outlets nationwide. He is the author of “Snob-Free Wine Tasting Companion: Wine Smart in a Day.” Contact him at (415) 767-1441; andyhyman@rtirguests.com

08/25/20 RTIR Newsletter: Virtual Conventions, Future of GOP, The Art of the Pleasant Chat

August 25, 2020

01. Partisan Politics and the Push to Privatize the Post Office
02. What is the Future of the Grand Old Party?
03. Virtual Political Conventions: Engaging or Boring?
04. Jane Velez-Mitchell on ‘New Day New Chef’ Covid Edition
05. The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)
06. Will God Make Sure Donald Trump Wins the Election?
07. How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop
08. Are Women Their Own Worst Enemies at Work?
09. Gun Violence Surging: Tips to Survive an Active Shooter
10. What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?
11. How Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life
12. Attorney Reveals the Dark Side of Winning a Lawsuit
13. He’s Bringing Back the Art of the Pleasant Chat
14. You Can Adopt Another Couple’s Frozen Embryo?
15. This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life

1. ==> Partisan Politics and the Push to Privatize the Post Office

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump ally and Republican donor, faced another day of grilling before the Democrat-led House Oversight Committee Monday. DeJoy is accused of sabotaging the USPS before the upcoming election, a charge he denies. Lisa Graves of the policy research group True North says, “Congress must insist that the mail sorting and delivery capacity be restored to the pre-Louis DeJoy level of this spring and machines that were removed be restarted or repaired. Congress must also restrict the power of Steve Mnuchin to interfere with the timely delivery of mail, including medicines and ballots, and provide the funding requested by the prior Postal leadership.” Graves says, “Never before in the past century has the Postal Service leadership been held by such partisans as DeJoy and Mike Duncan [chairman of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service], both of whom have financially aided not just the political campaigns of President Trump but also Senator Mitch McConnell. Never before has the Postal Service faced such a grave risk from the privatization pressures unleashed by billionaire Charles Koch. Congress should scrap the stacked and packed current Board of Governors, and take measures to restore its political independence and integrity and make sure future appointees are genuinely devoted to preserving and expanding the vital public service our Postal Service and its dedicated public servants provide.” Lisa Graves is the executive director of True North. She recently wrote the piece “The Billionaire Behind Efforts to Kill the U.S. Postal Service,” about Charles Koch. Graves served as deputy assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Clinton administration and chief counsel for nominations for Senator Patrick Leahy on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. An expert on how special interests distort our political system, Lisa has been a frequent guest on MSNBC and has also appeared on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNBC, the BBC, the CBC, Democracy NOW, C-Span, and NPR. Contact Evan Vorpahl at evan@truenorthresearch.org or @itstruenorth

2. ==> What is the Future of the Grand Old Party?

The Trump Show is on tap this week as Republicans hold their national convention. But what’s ahead for the Grand Old Party? The same GOP leaders who’ve enabled Donald Trump for the past four years will be taking to the stage this week to talk about the future of the party and historian and foreign-policy analyst Max Boot says regardless of whether Trump wins or loses in November, the GOP’s conservative ideology as many remember it, is history. “What, exactly, is conservative about ruling by executive action and ignoring the legislative branch on taxation and spending? That is what Trump did by taking money from the defense budget to build a border wall and what he is now doing to provide relief to the unemployed.” Boot continues, “What is conservative about misusing the presidency for personal gain? That is what Trump has done by trying to blackmail Ukraine into helping his campaign, reportedly telling a U.S. ambassador to pressure the British government to hold the British Open at a Trump resort, ignoring the intelligence community’s warnings about Russian election interference, and countless other acts of pathological selfishness.” Boot says he wouldn’t believe what GOP leaders say about the future of the Republican Party because “they have shown that, like Trump, they are in office to serve themselves rather than the American people. If they are the leaders who will define the future of the Republican Party, the party doesn’t deserve to have a future,” says Boot. Max Boot is a historian, best-selling author, columnist, and foreign-policy analyst. He is a senior fellow in national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a global affairs analyst for CNN. Contact him at writetoboot@gmail.com; @maxboot or via CFR at communications@cfr.org

3. ==> Virtual Political Conventions: Engaging or Boring?

Friday night on “Real Time,” Bill Mahr compared watching the Democratic virtual convention to viewing a telethon at 2 a.m. Was he right? According to Nielsen, the convention giving Joe Biden the nod attracted about 24.6 million primetime television viewers on its last night, not counting people who streamed it. Still, the Nielsen numbers were down 17% from 2016. With the Republican convention underway, you’ll want to discuss virtual conventions with marketing professional Steve McChesney, a veteran of more than 350 TV shows and movies. He can talk about what makes for successful audience engagement and ways to compensate for speakers who can’t play off an audience’s live reaction. And, for good measure, he’ll discuss why this is likely to be the last time two baby boomer candidates face off and ways campaigns are likely to change when the politicians are millennials or Gen Zers. McChesney has been on CBS, ABC, NBC and other large media outlets. His new book is “Rearranging Change: How To Market to an Ever-Changing World” and his podcast with the same name is available on all major channels. He is available as a last-minute guest. Contact Steve McChesney at (321) 414-2147; smcchesney@rtirguests.com

4. ==> Jane Velez-Mitchell on ‘New Day New Chef’ Covid Edition

Invite former national news anchor Jane Velez-Mitchell to discuss her TV show, ‘New Day New Chef,” and this season’s special series showcasing Support and Feed, a nonprofit organization helping those in need during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond. The series, that airs on Amazon Prime and PBS, focuses on the organization’s work supplying healthy, plant-based food to children’s charities, homeless and domestic abuse shelters, food banks and senior centers. People donate to vegan restaurants in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia and those restaurants, in turn, make the food that is distributed. Filmed largely with robotic cameras, during the Covid-19 outbreak, the show follows Maggie Baird, (actress, screenwriter, vegan, and the mother of musicians Billie Eilish and Finneas, who are also vegan) as she delivers food to those in need. Jane Velez-Mitchell hosts as participating chefs whip up some of the delicious, nutrient-packed meals. Vegan celebrities, like Dynasty’s Elaine Hendrix and Downton Abbey’s Lesley Nicol, also make appearances. Jane Valez-Mitchell is the founder and editor of JaneUnChained.com, a social media news channel producing thousands of widely shared videos on the plant-based lifestyle. Valez-Mitchell hosted her own show on HLN, reported for the TV show Celebrity Justice, and was a news anchor/reporter at KCAL-TV in LA and WCBS-TV in NY. Contact Mark Goldman at mark@goldmanmccormick.com or call/text (516) 639-0988

5. ==> The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)

We know the universe started with the Big Bang, but how is it going to end? Theoretical astrophysicist Dr. Katie Mack will take listeners on a mind-bending tour of five universe-ending possibilities proposed by cosmologists that will — almost — make you forget about what the end times mean for us. Through her wildly popular Twitter account, @AstroKatie, and her new book, “The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking)”, Mack demonstrates that you don’t have to hold a science degree to contemplate the biggest mysteries of the universe. In the process of considering the ultimate fate of the cosmos, Dr. Mack shows us that it can be surprisingly cathartic to think about forces that are mind-bendingly destructive and also truly, inescapably, undeniably beyond our control. Still, it’s hard not to wonder what the destruction of the universe means for humanity, should we live to see it. Dr. Katie Mack is an assistant professor of physics at North Carolina State University. She is a columnist at Cosmos Magazine and has recently been named a TED2020 Fellow. Contact Johanna Ramos Boyer at (703) 646-5137; (703) 400-1099 (cell); johanna@jrbcomm.com or Erin Bolden at (703) 646-5188

6. ==> Will God Make Sure Donald Trump Wins the Election?

Even a famous Politico story contends that millions of Americans believe GOD wanted Donald Trump to become president. But is a second term in God’s plan? Interview Patric Rutherford, Ph.D., who agrees that a Trump White House was God’s permissive will. But find out why he says God may not want Trump to serve two terms. Originally from Jamaica, Dr. Rutherford has for decades studied politics, faith and human nature. His critically acclaimed book is “God and President Trump Plus the Rest of Us.” Ask him: Why did many deeply committed Christians have no qualms about electing a seemingly godless man? What does the anti-Trump contingent get right and wrong? Why didn’t he vote for Trump? How would God “grade” Trump’s first term in office? Contact Dr. Rutherford at (786) 201-6638; patricrutherford@gmail.com

7. ==> How to Come Back from a 70% Revenue Drop

Because of the pandemic, the bottom has fallen out of many businesses, affecting not only their owners but also the employees who work for them who have been furloughed or had their hours cut. What are some specific things small businesses can do to recover? Rami Odeh (Oh-DAY) has answers culled from his experience bringing his personal training company back from a 70% drop in revenue that resulted from the 2008 recession. Invite Rami on your show to hear about the big risk he took that started his company’s return to healthy profitability and the importance of seeking help when you need it. The lessons Rami learned along the way are valuable to every business owner whether on the way up, the way down, plateaued, or trying to build a saleable business. Rami is an author, certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer and corporate presenter with dual master’s degrees in industrial psychology and exercise physiology. Rami is the author of the three-volume series “Quiet The Noise.” Contact him at (770) 773-6970; rami@quietthenoisebook.com

8. ==> Are Women Their Own Worst Enemies at Work?

Women talk about the challenges they face in a patriarchal society but in reality, women are each other’s own worst enemies, often holding each other back and sabotaging one another’s careers. Many, if not most, career women would agree that the bosses that gave them the most grief in their careers were female. Why is this the case? Career coach, author and former Wall Street executive Tamara Lashchyk discusses these issues and gives real-life examples of women who vindictively tried to sabotage the career of other women, including her own boss, who fired her just two days before she retired. She can answer such questions as do female bosses treat their male subordinates better than their female reports? Is this a generational issue and are millennials better at supporting other women than baby boomers? What can women do to help each other? Tamara has been interviewed by the BBC and featured in Huffington Post. Contact Tamara Lashcyk at (848) 373-3543; TLashchyk@rtirguests.com

9. ==> Gun Violence Surging: Tips to Survive an Active Shooter

Gun violence is on the rise in cities across the country, even in the middle of the pandemic. As parts of the country reopen and gatherings occur, how can we keep safe from violence AND the virus? What do we all need to know? Explore the vital answers with personal protection specialist Allen Banks, developer of Active Shooter Prevention and Workplace Violence Prevention Training, plus special programs for schools and other locations. Ask him: How should people observe, react, find safety, shield others, or fight back during an active shooting incident? Which survival tips work best in different settings? Allen Banks is CEO of Proactive Protection Agency. Contact him at (661) 417-0786; abanks@rtirguests.com

10. ==> What Will Happen When We Run Out of Nurses?

Right now, we need nurses more than ever, but what kind of career can you expect in the profession? What should you know as you enter nursing school, graduate, become registered, and begin a nursing career? What will it take to keep you on the job? How can we all help prevent nursing shortages since the aging population needs such professionals more than ever? You’ll want to explore this timely topic and the nursing experience with all its implications by interviewing Nancy Congleton. In addition to offering solutions to help today’s nurses and ultimately everyone they serve, she will reveal the unexpected realities of the nursing profession, five relationship dynamics that nurses face, legal issues, and the concerns everyone should have when nurses feel so unprepared and overworked that they leave. An outspoken registered nurse known as Nurse Nancy, Nancy Covington has worked in the NICU, ER and case management. She’s the author of “Autopsy of the NP: Dissecting the Nursing Profession Piece By Piece.” Contact Nancy Congleton at (918) 992-4616; NCongleton@rtirguests.com

11. ==> How Sloppy Record-Keeping Could Cost You Your Life

In the middle of the coronavirus crisis, keeping your own medical records in order is more important than ever. In a medical emergency, anyone can be rattled enough to forget important details, finding themselves unable to answer physicians’ important questions about their health or that of a loved one. Anne McAwley-LeDuc, a retired nurse practitioner APRN), learned this the hard way after her husband fell down the stairs and showed signs of paralysis. At the hospital, physicians sought answers about his medical history, but she couldn’t answer vital questions. McAwley-LeDuc wants to help others — especially ordinary folks with no medical background — advocate for themselves and their loved ones for better and safer health care. She’ll discuss the role patients play in reducing medical errors, ways disorganized medical records can be deadly, and why so few patients keep good medical records or grasp the need to do so. Anne McAwley-LeDuc developed the “Personal Health Organizer” to keep essential medical information in one place and provide a snapshot of your health history. Contact her at (860) 300-1603; AMcAwley@rtirguests.com

12. ==> Attorney Reveals the Dark Side of Winning a Lawsuit

Talk about initiating a lawsuit and most people think: Hefty settlement! Getting justice! (Or retribution.) Healing and starting over. But legal trouble is stressful and expensive, and lawsuits can last years, taking more out of you than you gain. So warns attorney Francine Tone, who’s been educating the public for years about getting the right legal help, asking prudent questions, making wise decisions, and proceeding with caution as legal challenges unfold. Invite her to explore realities about suing and being sued, myths and truths about the law, and how even winning lawsuits can jeopardize your business, marriage or health. Francine is the author of “What Every Good Lawyer Wants You to Know.” Contact Francine Tone at (531) 208-1297; FTone@rtirguests.com

13. ==> He’s Bringing Back the Art of the Pleasant Chat

When is the last time you had a conversation that didn’t end up feeling like a negotiation, or worse a fight? “It’s probably been a while since a simple conversation was just that,” says Ivan Obolensky. “It’s become nearly impossible not to talk about emotionally charged topics … because that’s all we’ve got!” Interview Ivan about the art of conversation during COVID-19. He will show your audience how to set better boundaries around who they are talking to and what they are talking about, so that simple conversations don’t feel like negotiations that need to be won. Ask him about the four N’s of negotiating that can help conversations become a win-win! Ivan is an author and Renaissance man. His novel “Eye of the Moon” won Best First Book (Fiction) in the IndieReader Discovery Awards. Contact Ivan Obolensky at (818) 495-8731; IObolensky@rtirguests.com

14. ==> You Can Adopt Another Couple’s Frozen Embryo?

Recent news stories have explored the issue of frozen embryos caught in the crossfire of couples who have uncoupled. Fertilized during happier times, these embryos may remain in limbo forever and rack up storage fees if the couples cannot agree on their future. Or, as Nate Birt advises, the couple can agree to let the frozen embryo be adopted by someone else, a possibility they may not have considered. Learn more when you interview Nate, whose daughter began life as another couple’s frozen embryo. Nate is the author of “Frozen, But Not Forgotten: An Adoptive Dad’s Step-by-Step Guide to Embryo Adoption.” Ask him: What are some of the controversies that surround frozen embryos? Are fertilized embryos people or property? How costly is it to adopt such an embryo? Contact Nate Birt at (417) 221-9045; Nbirt@rtirguests.com

15. ==> This Sugar Witch Could Save Your Life

How much sugar have you been eating and drinking? For most people, the answer is “too much” and includes hidden sugars they don’t even know about. These are the folks who need the good kind of witch — Sugar Witch Marsha Allen — to avoid the harmful effects of sugar overwhelm such as obesity and type-2 diabetes. Marsha will explain how her program can help anyone live a sweeter and longer life without sugar addiction. She’ll discuss how to recognize and avoid surprisingly super-sweet foods, embrace healthier snacks and treats, prevent cravings that send you onto the sugar highway, keep kids from demanding sweets and more. Marsha is the host of Sugar Addicts on Crown City News TV. She is the author of “Spoiled Rotten on a Diet: Gluten, Sugar & Dairy Free Made Simple.” Contact her at (902) 906-5231; MAllen@rtirguests.com

Don’t see any guests or topics for your show? Search through past RTIR Newsletters and find hundreds of show ideas and possible guests at www.rtironline.com